Publication

This publication examines the debate on revision of the Japanese constitution, especially Article Nine, which renounces the possession and use of force for settling international disputes. The authors first explore the diverse interpretations of the article. The paper then analyzes the two strongest revisionist movements in post-war Japanese history: the immediate post-war period (1947–64) and the post-Cold War period (1990–2005). The authors identify the coalitions supporting the article and demonstrate the likely implications of a constitutional revision.