3rd May – 皐月
Today is a part of the Golden week, 3rd May is a public holiday called 憲法記念日 (Kenpou Kinenbi) – Constitution day. Cerebrate the establishment of the Japanese constitution and wish for the growth of country.
The current constitution was announced on 3rd November 1946, and enforced from 3rd May 1947. The first plan was to set the day of enforcement in 5th May, however this day falls as 端午の節句 (Tango no sekku) which is the celebration day for boys. Because of this fact, it was considered as violation of gender equality, thus 3rd May was chosen for constitution day.
Constitution is the absolute rule in Japan, and then hierarchy goes down to Law, Order and Rule. Even if the Law says something a little bit different to consultation, the law is invalid.
Briefly saying, there are 3 definite principal:
-国民主権 (Kokumin Shuken)
Citizen have the absolute right. emperor is regarded as “Symbol” of Japan.
-基本的人権の尊重 (Kihonteki Jinken no Sonchou)
Respect for fundamental human right. This right is valid for whole life and cannot be violated.
-平和主義 (Heiwa Shugi)
Pacifism.
Especially the third principal 平和主義 (article 9) is rare in the world and Japanese are proud of to have it.
There are 3 pillars for Pacifism in Japan.
-戦争放棄 (Sensou Houki): Renunciation of war
-戦力の不保持 (Senryoku no Huhoji): Retaining no war potential
-交戦権の否認 (Kousenken no Hinin): Denial of belligerent right
After the world war 2, Japan has set this constitution in order not to repeat the worst mistakes. Nevertheless, the current prime minister Mr. Shinzou Abe has been trying to change this 平和主義 (article 9). He wants to change the self-defence force to be more powerful, and have more power for government rights. Due to Covid-19, the Japanese strict constitution that cannot be violated started to be known more (As Japan cannot do the lockdown). Now he found the perfect timing to change the constitution which hasn’t been edited since 1947, to turn out just as he has wished (having the stronger government power). However, changing this constitution can cause another war again, which should not happen. Let’s see how Japan is going to be…
Little Japan Dictionary 