In earlier threads some (primarily those in Asia) have expressed concern over the prospect of a re-militarized Japan.
Any thoughts over recent developments reported by the Associated Press?
TOKYO, Japan (AP) — Japan’s conservative government chipped away at two pillars of the country’s postwar pacifism, requiring schools to teach patriotism and upgrading the Defense Agency to a full ministry for the first time since World War II.
The measures, enacted Friday in a vote by Parliament’s upper house, form key elements of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to bolster Japan’s international military role, build up national pride and distance the country from its post-1945 war guilt.
The votes were important victories for Abe’s government, which has suffered sharp drops in popularity polls since taking office in September over the perception that he has not paid enough attention to domestic issues.
The education reform bill triggered controversy, both because of its sensitive content and because of disclosures this week that the government had planted officials posing as ordinary citizens at “town meetings” discussing the measure.
The upgrading of the Defense Agency under the Cabinet Office to a full ministry passed Parliament without significant opposition, propelled by deep concern in Japan over North Korean missile and nuclear weapons development.
By: mike currill - 17th December 2006 at 08:22
Well said Canpark. I don’t think it would be so difficult to do both at the same time if the will was there, which it seems to be in this case.
By: Canpark - 17th December 2006 at 05:09
Before Japan remilitarised and rearmed itself it should get rid of the Constitution of 1945. It’s pathetic to see Japan, a nation with a proud Samurai tradition and a long military history, run itself on a Constitution written by non-Japanese foreigners.
Any change in the country’s military policy should involve a new Constitution written by Japanese.
By: Levsha - 16th December 2006 at 22:07
[B] …requiring schools to teach patriotism and upgrading the Defense Agency to a full ministry for the first time since World War II.
The measures, enacted Friday in a vote by Parliament’s upper house, form key elements of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to bolster Japan’s international military role, build up national pride and distance the country from its post-1945 war guilt.
Why do some countries need to have such patriotism lessons and flag raising ceremonies anyway??:confused:
It’s a bit like the emotional feelings people may have for their parents (just as an example) – either you have these feelings of love, respect and attachment for your country (or your parents) in the first place – or you don’t, and I don’t see how any amount of long-winded oath taking or funny salutes with your left or right arm every morning at school is going to help compensate for it in any shape or form!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
(And no, I’m not looking for a discussion about your difficult childhood):D 😀
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December 16, 2006 at 6:58 pm