Article 9 of the constitution as a candidate of Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize committee seems to nominate Article 9 of the Japanese constitution as a candidate of the Nobel Prize.

Mainichi: War-renouncing Article 9 nominated as candidate for Nobel Peace Prize

The Japan Times: Article 9 nominated as candidate for Nobel Peace Prize

It results from a small exercise of an old Japanese Naomi Takasu, who thought that, Article 9 deserved to be given the Nobel Prize, as well as the European Union which has protected many countries from war. Article 9 states war-renounce forever. He collected 24,887 signatures of supporters to propose it as a candidate of the Nobel Prize. According to the association of "The Nobel Peace Prize for Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution," the Nobel Prize committee in Norway reported that it officially received the proposal.

As a Japanese, I am glad to hear this news. But the situation is a little complicated.

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan and Abe administration have a discipline to rewrite the constitution. The contents of the reform include Article 9. Some people are anxious that Japan would proceed to war. In addition, tension between China, South Korea, and Japan has been stronger than ever before. Although no one declares Japan should attack foreign countries, the danger of occurring wars is progressing.

The movement of citizens was begun in the atmosphere above.

As far as I know, there are few foreign media took up this news. The possibility that Article 9 will be given the Nobel Prize is extremely low. However, I feel that there is political intention in the Nobel Peace Prize, recently. Barack Obama was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. This award might restrict him against expanding the battlefield in Afghanistan.

Then, it is possible that, the more efforts Abe administration makes to rewrite Article 9, the more probable Article 9 will be chosen as the Nobel Prize. It is quite ironic.


*Sequel