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The Constitution of Japan
(promulgated november 3, 1946)
We, the japanese people, acting through our duly elected
representatives in the national diet, determined that we shall secure
for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation
with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land,
and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of
war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign
power resides with the people and do firmly establish this
constitution. government is a sacred trust of the people, the
authority for which is derived from the people, The powers of which
are exercised by the representatives of the people, and the benefits
of which are enjoyed by the people. this is a universal principle of
mankind upon which this constitution is founded. we reject and revoke
all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and rescripts in conflict
herewith.
We, the japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply
conscious of the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we
have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in
the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world. we
desire to occupy an honored place in an international society
striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of
tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from
the earth. we recognize that all peoples of the world have the right
to live in peace, free from fear and want.
We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone, but that
laws of political morality are universal; and that obedience to such
laws is incumbent upon all nations who would sustain their own
sovereignty and justify their sovereign relationship with other
nations.
We, the japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish
these high ideals and purposes with all our resources.
Chapter i. The Emperor
【略】
Chapter ii. Renunciation of war
article 9.
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 settling
international disputes.
In order to 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.