Should Japan Amend Article 9 of the Its Constitution?

Abstract

It is time for Japan to amend Article 9 of its constitution to allow not only for self-defense, but for collective self-defense as well. For decades, Japan has grappled with whether it should amend Article 9 of its constitution. Article 9, on its face, renounces war and any war making military institutions. In reality, the country has been stretching the boundaries of Article 9 almost since its inception. Indeed, by 2027, Japan will have the third largest defense budget in the world and will endeavor to take more control over its defense. Yet, Article 9 of Japan’s constitution is still troubling, and Japan continues to rely primarily on the United States for its military defense. Japan is a stable, industrialized state. It would be in Japan’s best interest to be responsible for its own defense and to become a leader in peace and security missions throughout the globe.

Keywords: Japan, International Relations, Article 9, Constitution