Article title: Abe urges charter for 'new Japan'.
Source: Agencies
Journal: Aljazeera online
Published: Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 7:56 Mecca Time, 4:56 GMT
Downloaded from: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A01C0809-8BC7-48FC-AA8A-B506B71D69AE.htm on May 4, 2007 at 1:47pm.

At the end of his five nation tour of the Middle East and the 60th anniversary of the current Japanese Constitution, Prime Minister Abe, reasserted his desire to see constitutional amendments made to: 'A bold review of Japan's post-war stance and an in-depth discussion of the constitution for a 'new Japan' is necessary ... to open up a new era... [to work] towards a Japan that instils confidence and pride among its children.' Specifically, the amendments relate to Article Nine ('the pacifist clause') of the 1947 Constiution. The amendments would change Japan's ability to use military force to solve international disputes and maintain a standing army. The Mainichi Shinbun and Nikkei newspapers polls on the issue claim 51% of those surveyed support the changes. The Asahi Shinbun poll claims that 49% would prefer no change, and 33% supporting the change.

Japan has a Self-Defence Forces of 240,000. In 2004-2007, its military expenditure ranked sixth in the world. Japanese SDF have served in Iraq since 2004. In 2006, Japan's Defence Agency was upgraded to a full Ministry.

Abe claims the amendments are necessary for Japan to be an equal partner with the US in international issues.

China and Korea remain suspicious of the proposed changes and the possibility of a renewal in Japanese militarism.

(1) What are the differences between a Self-Defence Force and a standing Army?
(2) What are the differences in the polls run by the Mainichi Shinbun and the Asahi Shinbun? Can you find the original polling results and examine the questions asked and the interpretations of the data made by the editors? What might affect the results and their interpretation?
(3) Why is Article 9 referred to as 'the pacificst clause'?
(4) How would the amendments to the constitution create a 'new Japan'?
(5) Why are the amendments necessary for the next generation of Japanese to feel pride and confidence in Japan?
(6) Why is this news being reported on AlJazeera, do you think?
(7) What purpose did Prime Minister Abe's five nation tour of the Middle East?
(8) Does this news reported in the Middle East have a different 'meaning' or 'resonance' than if it was reported in Japan, China or the USA? Why and how?