June 2022 Issue
English Version of the “Article 9 Association (A9A)” Bulletin and News
This is the translated version of the Japanese edition of the Bulletin and News published in June 2022.
It is published by Katsuyuki Nara of the New English Teachers Association (or Shin-Eiken,

http://www.shin-eiken.com/) and Sarah Brock. The translation is on our own．
Uploaded on June 25th, 2022

English version No. 259

Campaigns start for Upper House July 10th Election
The Upper House election was officiallyannounced on June 22nd , starting campaigns
aiming at the July 10th voting. A major issue in thiselection is the question of Constitutional revision.
On one hand, politicians want to change Japanthrough a massive military buildup; on the otherhand, some politicians want to pursue developmentof a peaceful Japan based on Article 9. Anotherissue is how to curtail the steadily rising prices offood, medical care, and housing.

Let us expand our network of defending
Article 9 through this election campaign!

Reports from provincial A9A groups
Ukrainian Flag Flyer Insert
Date A9A group, Fukushima Prefecture
Late last year, Date A9A met to discuss
progress in their signature collection campaign
against constitutional amendment. Seeing a needto inform people about A9A and the importance of
the Constitution, they made monthly flyers whichwere inserted in local newspapers delivered freeto households. In the March issue the flyer was
designed around the Ukrainian national flag witha slogan, “Let us continue to march with Article 9,
NOT weapons.” he group members also staged
standing demonstrations in the city.
Yokkaichi City A9A, Mie Prefecture
Yokkaichi City ’ s A9A Group held aanniversary of foundation with 120 participants.

gathering on June 4 to commemorate its 17th

Jiro Yamaguchi, a professor at Hosei

now facing an unprecedented challenge.”

University and core member of Civil Alliance forYamaguchi continued, “The Second World

Peace and Constitutionalism, gave a lecture

War proved that any attempt to defend a country
by force resulted in catastrophe, depriving humanlives. The UN Charter is the new international
order that was born from that bitter experience,and the Constitution of Japan is the embodimentof the UN Charter as the supreme law of thenation. What it takes to prevent a war is, first andforemost, diplomatic efforts based on the UNCharter.”He then went on to say, "Compared withthe past two House of Councilors elections, it isentitled: How to Overcome the Crisis of theunfortunate

Constitution and Democracy. Yamaguchi used

thateffortstoform

apro-

Constitutional coalition and cooperation between

PowerPoint to dig deep into his topic: "Seizing on

citizen groups and opposition parties are delayed

the current crisis of Russia's invasion to Ukraine,

this time, but we must step up our joint efforts tosome politicians and groups, including former

stop the war-mongering forces.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the JapanThe meeting was adjourned by adopting an

Innovation Party, are claiming, 'What if Japan isappeal: "Let’s share the challenge being faced byattacked? Can Article 9 really protect Japan?’the Constitution with as many citizens as possible

They assert that Japan should revise its defense

and spread the spirit of peace Constitution for thepolicy and develop a preemptive strike capability.

future.” (translated by Sadao Hiroyama)

The mass media following this political trend
reinforce the fact that the pacifist Constitution is
Grateful to Former Students
Nara Anglers’ Group of A9A, Nara Pref.
Responding the 2004 Founders Appeal from

Watching The Constitution of Japan (film)

prominent founders including Nobel LaureateListening to members’ war experiences

Kenzaburo Oe, peace-loving anglers in Nara

Holding study meetings about nuclear

Prefecture formed a local Nara Fisherman’s A9A

power, the conspiracy law and the Japanese military(Tsuribito Kyujo-no-kai ) in August 2004. Members

legislation,

mostly also belonged to the Nara Working People’sFishing Club, the Nara Kinrosha Uotsuri.

Constitution every year on Constitution Day,Since its formation, Nara Fisherman’s A9A

Holding

alecturesessionontheJoining joint actions to collect signatures

has continued a variety of activities under thefor petitions opposing Constitutional change,slogans “Only in peace can we enjoy fishing,” and

“Article 9 of the Constitution is the treasure ofthe streets, and so on

Holding rallies at the station square and onanglers.” Activities include:Group head Minoru Ohki says they havecalled on workers’ fishing clubs in many parts of

the country to sign the current national petitionacquaintances, including fellow artists and sculptors

campaign against constitutional reforms, withand students from when he was a teacher of art. Most

disappointing response. “Signatures received soof them have responded. Ohki says, “I’m particularly

far are mostly from working people’s fishing clubs

grateful for and impressed by the great cooperation

within Nara prefecture, maybe due to aging offrom my former students. Among them one sent me 30

members or the COVID pandemic.”

to 40 signatures along with a warm letter ofOhki privately sent petition signature forms toencouragement.”(Translated by Toshikazu Izumi)