Abe reiterates change of constitution in a radio show

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated his intention to revise the post-war constitution in a program of “Radio Japan” aired on Saturday, saying, “The current constitution was drafted under the influence of the occupiers. We need to make it by ourselves.”

Abe added, “We need to change the constitution for a new ear. Some say that new rules on human rights such as environmental protection and consideration for criminal victims should be added.”

It is generally believed that the focus of Abe’s attempt to change the constitution is revising Article 9 of the post-war constitution that bans Japan from getting involved in war and having military forces. The Kyodo news agency said, “(Prime Minister Abe) stressed the stance to revise the constitution even after changing the interpretation of the constitution regarding the tolerance of collective self-defense in July.” Abe’s dismissal of the current constitution as “occupiers’ constitution” reflects his revisionist attitude which is to break with the so-called “post-war regime.” He said on the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, which convicted those responsible for the Pacific War, in March last year, “The Allied Forces convicted them based on the perspective of the winners.”