Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution is a “No War” clause. It went into effect on May 3, 1947, immediately after World War II. In the article text, the Japanese Government formally renounce war as a right of sovereignty and the refusal to settle disputes using military force. The article also states that military forces with war potential will not be maintained.
Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which renounces war as a means of settling international disputes and prohibits the maintenance of armed forces and other war potential, is more than just a provision of the Japanese law — it acts as an international peace mechanism towards reductions in military spending, promotion of nuclear-weapon-free zones, ending violence against women, supporting conflict prevention, and mitigating the negative environmental impact of the military.
The Japanese governement has plans to abolish art. 9. IADL participates in the Global Campaign to Defend art. 9.
Background documents on the Article 9 Campaign
- Global Article 9 Campaign brochure
Global Article 9 Campaign brochure.pdf