Japanese Constitutional Revisionism and Civic Activism

This rich collection of essays puts flesh on the tired bones of Japanese debates about whether to protect or revise the 1947 Constitution. Highlighting civic activism across the postwar period, the authors show the contention to be much more complicated—and politically and socially dynamic—than an either/or proposition. Comparisons with Taiwan and South Korea and attention not only to Article 9 but to human rights and environmental questions give the book an expansive character. This intelligent and informative study is a pleasure to read.

-- Carol Gluck, Columbia University

This volume offers a truly comprehensive analysis of civic activism surrounding constitutional revision in Japan, drawing on the diverse expertise of an international team of scholars of law, history, politics, religion, and society. While past research has focused on the goals of established elites, the authors delve into the motivations and strategies of underexamined grassroots actors, including academics, youths, religious organizations, and ideological movements. Importantly, the studied topics extend beyond the lightning rod of Article 9 to encompass debates over human rights, gender equality, and environmentalism, painting a fuller picture of constitutional debates in Japan. By giving equal weight to historical context and contemporary movements, this volume is relevant to any scholar or observer of postwar Japan.

-- Kenneth Mori McElwain, University of Tokyo

Because of its globally recognized 'no war' clause, debate over Japan's constitution is often seen only through the lens of its implications for its foreign policy. But the dynamics within Japan surrounding this unique document are far more important. In a timely and revelatory new volume focused on the civic activism surrounding Japan's postwar governing document, the benefactors of this document—Japan's citizens—are given the starring role. This exciting new volume reflects the best of scholarship in both Japan and the United States on this ongoing tension between citizens and state that is at the heart of postwar Japanese democratic practice.

-- Sheila A. Smith, Council on Foreign Relat