Nanzan University Institute for Social Ethics Pamphlet Series
Some Considerations Regarding Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution: based on the discussion at the Joint Australia-Japan Workshop 12-15 Sep. 2005
Michael T. Seigel
2006

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"From September 12 to September 15, 2006, a Joint Australia-Japan Workshop was held at Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan. The workshop brought together senior scholars and experts to discuss the international relations of Japan and Australia, especially in the context of developments since September 11, 2001. ...The discussion was premised on the understanding that the situation of the two countries is remarkably similar (e.g. relations with the United States, the war on terror, engagement with Asia). The goal of the workshop was to explore ways in which Japan and Australia might more effectively contribute to regional and global security and a more equitable world order. ... In the course of the workshop, the question of Article 9 of Japan's constitution came up frequently and the question of constitutional change was discussed intently and in depth. ... The decision was made therefore to pull together the threads of the discussion that related to Article 9 and to disseminate the resulting paper, most importantly, to those who will have a direct role in the decision-making process regarding changes in the constitution: the members of the Diet, and more broadly the Japanese public." ――Preface