SYMPOSIUM OF PEACE QUESTION HELD IN TOKYO
Those who are calling for the Constitution to be adversely revised want to revise the Article 9 (see below) to make Japan’s participation in the US-led wars constitutional. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to extensively discuss the future Japan, which is strongly related to the presence of the US-Japan Security Treaty and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
The research committee of peace question held a symposium entitled “Article 9 of the Constitution and Japan’s security” on April 25 in Tokyo. There were enthusiastic discussions in three scientific sessions. In the first session entitled “Japan’s future toeing after the US footsteps”, Prof. Masuda (Hosei Univ.) gave a seminar on American globalization and Japan’s future, he predicted the future effect the US’s economy on the Asian countries and Japan, and Dr. Kawai (chair of committee) talked on the title “Misgivings about ‘Japan-Germany-Italy’ in the last world war through ‘Japan-America-Britain’ in the present time”, he pointed out Japanese stance towards preparing nuclear armament. In the afternoon session, Prof. Sadataka (Nagoya Univ.) lectured on the lesson from the security policy in the European Community. In the panel discussion on the title “Future security on the basis of the Article 9 of the Constitution”, where four panelists gave their views in relation to the theme, which was followed by discussions from the floor. In the discussion, Prof. Sawada (Emeritus Prof. of Nagoya Univ.) proposed various types of movements for peace construction: 1) realization of the UN Charter and the Article 9 of the Constitution, 2) enforcement of grass-root movements for the 50th anniversary of Bikini Atoll nuclear experiment and the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, 3) distribution of Russell-Einstein Declaration to the public, and 4) continuation of Japanese movement against atomic and nuclear bombs, respectively.
Chapter II: Renunciation of War (Article 9) of the Constitution of Japan
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of setting international disputes. In order accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.
THE FIRST COUNCIL MEETING IN THE 40TH TERM HELD
On May 29 and 30 in Tokyo the above meeting was held to summarize the 39th term’s activities and discuss the movements in the 40th term on account of change of situations. After the opening address and the Secretary-General’s explanation about the movements in the 40th term, two special lectures were given.
On the first day, Mr. Shii (attorney, Japan Lawyers Association of Freedom), in his “The situation around the Japanese Constitution and our action assignment”, explained movements of political parties, economic circle and mass media using materials on the Constitution from 1990’s, amendment of Article 9, and a bill of national referendum, stressed it significant to go ahead with sprit of innovation of Articles 9 and 25 that is paid attention in EU, Asia, and America concerning the option a war-state or a peace-human-rights-state, and to positively propose the movement of winning majority in furthering the spirit. Prof. Tabata (University of Tokyo), in his “The situation around universities and scientists’ action assignment”, stressed that we are at the crossroad, where university turns from the research place independent of power into the institute aimed at practical education and study, and it also turns from the public high educational institute into the organization servicing market, and the question what is university and what is science arose due to the change from universal science to science as market goods. It is significant for us as scientists to respond in social demands, and improve environment to ensure spiritual activities, he says. Discussion was made following the lectures, three statements and the resolution.
On the second day, participants argued about the 40th term’s philosophies, and enthusiastically enlargement of membership. The resolution and statements were accepted with partial improvement.
NATIONWIDE GATHERINGS
A number of gatherings are held by the JSA alone or in cooperation with other friendly organizations
ACTIVITIES OF RESEARCH COMMITTEES AND GROUPS
The JSA headquarters organize a number of research committees and groups undertaken
on a nationwide scale, which are encouraging the members across th country
DISTRICTS AND
BRANCHES' ACTIVITIES
The JSA consisits of 47 branches which are grouped into
9 districts, and they are independently
and/or cooperatively carrying out
their activities in addition to the headquarters' ones
ARTICLES OF
"JOURNAL OF JAPANESE SCIENTISTS"
The Journal of Japanese Scientists or NIHON
NO KAGAKUSHA (in Japanese) covering all the
scientific fields is monthly
published and distributed to all the members and other readers