Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

c/o The Embassy of Japan

2025 Massachusetts Ave NW

Washington, DC 20008

April 26, 2007

Dear Prime Minister Abe:

We write as faith-based organizations with deep concern over proposed changes to Japan’s constitution. Called by our various faith traditions to be peace-makers and renounce violence as a means of resolving conflict, we uphold Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan as a unique and powerful contribution to international peace and security. The prospect of its elimination not only greatly saddens us, but also makes us fear for regional stability and harmony. 

We recognize that pressure is mounting from the US Administration for Japan to alter its Constitution to allow its military to be integrated into the US security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. However, as citizens and people of faith, we believe that Article 9 provides a more effective and true path to peace and stability in the region than force of arms ever could. By renouncing war and aggressive use of military force, Japan has become a cornerstone for regional security. In the sixty years since the end of World War II, not a single person has died as a result of Japanese state aggression. If only the United States could claim such a record.

Furthermore, policy decisions made by Japan are not and cannot be made in isolation, but instead reverberate throughout the region and beyond. Japan, already perceived as an economic and military powerhouse, will find itself to be in the vortex of a shifting and suddenly more volatile world, as neighbors and even allies are forced to react to a resurgent Japanese military force. With Japan’s military no longer constitutionally constrained, there is a strong possibility that a regional arms race will ensue, as neighboring countries look to their own defenses.

Popular opinion in Japan does not support this change. Nor do our Japanese congregations and partners, our brothers and sisters in faith. Article 9 has become a source of pride and identity – an alternative path to peace and prosperity in a chaotic and dangerous world. We stand in solidarity with the people of Japan, as well as with those who live in militarized communities and under the threat of violence everywhere, and ask that you respect the integrity and commitment of Japan’s Peace Constitution and maintain Article 9. We will call on our country to do the same.