Teruhisa Horio, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's attempt to revise the country's pacifist Constitution.
After its defeat and surrender in World War II, Japan promulgated a "Pacifist Constitution" aimed at eradicating militarism under the guidance of the Allied Powers. The Article 9 of the Constitution states that the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
"I believe Article 9 of the Constitution was established on the basis of reflection on Japan's defeat and on the war itself. In Asia, I think no one would welcome a revision of Article 9," he said.
Horio also said that if Takaichi were to visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Class-A war criminals from World War II, it would be a serious mistake.
"It is inappropriate for a prime minister to visit in the first place. If she understands the nature of the shrine and still chooses to go, that would make it even more problematic," Horio said.
Japanese scholar voices concern over constitutional revision moves
Japanese scholar voices concern over constitutional revision moves
Japanese scholar voices concern over constitutional revision moves
