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Oliver is joined by David Slater, Professor of Anthropology at Sophia University in Tokyo, to discuss Article 9 and Youth Politics. Following Japan’s defeat in the Asia-Pacific War and the dismantling of its empire, occupying US forces put a clause in their revised constitution that forbade Japan from engaging in war or having a standing army. This clause, Article 9, has been the subject of much public debate in recent years as government leaders such as former PM Shinzō Abe have sought to revise it, inciting political action from youth activists seeking to keep Japan out of warfare. However, as discussed in our earlier episode of ‘Failed Revolutions’, political activism has a tainted reputation and a repressed history in Japan. David explains the fine line demonstration groups must walk to campaign for political change while avoiding appearing to be political.
Read David’s article, ‘SEALDs (Students Emergency Action for Liberal Democracy): Research Note on Contemporary Youth Politics in Japan‘
Image credits
[L] Children’s Monument by jonathan_moreau is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
[R] LAY OF THE (IS)LAND: US ARMY JAPAN COMMANDING GENERAL TOURS U.S. INSTALLATIONS, VISITS JSDF LEADERSHIP by LimpingFrog Productions is licensed under CC BY 2.0