Civil society opposes Abe, wants peace

Why is Abe busy doing so? Perhaps because the United States, as the primary ally of Japan, has given an indication of adjusting its alliance with Japan to cooperate with China. Moreover, the growing influence of "those in uniforms", or military officers, in Japan's self-defense forces, should also give an indication.

After the end of World War II, military officers in Japan's self-defense forces have been subject to the command of civil officers, or "those in suits", in the ministry of defense. However, the system underwent reform in 2004 and again recently, which seriously weakened the power of "those in suits".

The LDP has played an essential role in the reforms. And with their power gradually increasing, Japan's military institutions are heading toward greater independence from politics.

These efforts, together with Abe's and LDP's plan of creating a Japanese version of the "National Security Council" and cabinet intelligence bureau clearly expose their intention of building a strong military apparatus, which will turn Japan into a military state with no flexibility in the 21st century.

Worse, if the Abe administration implements militarization measures on Japanese society as a whole, civil society, which is proud of its liberty, self-regulation and self-discipline, will be destroyed.

Therefore, we cannot tolerate the "collective defense rights", which may automatically push Japan toward a war. What we need to do is to build a civil society that cherishes peace and gains the trust of other countries.

To realize that, it is necessary to expose the true intentions of the Abe administration. The prime minister who promises prosperity for Japan is, instead, leading the country toward disaster. We must defend the peace clause in the Constitution and let one and all hear our call: "Peace!"

The author is vice-president of the National Yamaguchi University, Japan.

 

(China Daily 10/28/2013 page9)