Japan-U.S. Security Treaty has been delivered to the House of Councillors of Japan for almost a month and has led to continuous protests around the country.

UDN reports, until August 26, over 200 students and teachers from 80 universities have participated in the press conference regarding opposing the new treaty brought up by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Faculty from 108 universities have signed the petition requesting to abolish the unconstitutional treaty. Several Seikei University faculty, from which Abe graduated, have joined the petition.

Professor Manabu Sato of Gakushuin University says, “Japan’s constitutionalism, democracy and pacifism faced the biggest crisis after war so that we can round up this many people."

Reiko Ogawa of Kyusyu University says almost 2,000 Asian exchange students are studying in Fukuoka. The treaty will threaten such international communication.

Newtalk reports, a group of 300 people including the Former Supreme Court judge, former director-general of the cabinet, members of Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA) and scholars of the constitution held a press conference on August 26 and claimed that the new treaty is unconstitutional. They will strive to stop the treaty from being passed.

Susumu Murakoshi, president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations emphasizes, breaking the constitutionalism of Japan will never be allowed. Former judge of the Supreme Court, Kunio Hamada, also condemned Abe’s government of ignoring the voices of citizens.

After the press conference, over 4,000 people attended the assembly in Hibiya, Tokyo, including youth organization, SEALDs, and members of Mother Against War.

Aki Okuda, senior student of Meiji Gakuin University and key member of SEALDs, says, “People keep saying that the young have done well, but every one is supposed to make an effort!”

Okuda calls on people to stand out and oppose the treaty. SEALDs will hold a NO WAR, fight at 30th event in front of the National Diet (Parliament of Japan) at 2 pm, August 30 local time.

Sina reports, the Japanese anti-war groups called the treaty as treaty of war. Recently, people from all walks, including scholars of constitution and politics, celebrities, student organizations and ordinary citizens, have gone to the street to boycott the law.

According to a poll conducted by the Japanese media, Abe’s supporting rate has decreased 30 percent during the examination of the treaty.

Under these pressure, Abe has no choice but to extend the parliament recession that was supposed to end on June 22 to September 27 in order to pass the treaty.

Storm Media reports, five former Prime Minsters of Japan including Morihiro Hosokawa, Tsutome Hata, Yukio Hatoyama, Naoto Kan and Tomiichi Murayama declared their opposing status to the treaty in that it arouses concerns of protesting against the constitution and contempt of Japan’s constitutionalism, even urging Abe to step down as soon as possible.

Storm Media reports, The Assembly to Energize Japan, The Party for Future Generations and The New Renaissance Party say they will propose amendments to the senate soon. They advocate that if The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) goes overseas for over 90 days, it must be approved by the congress. Abe says, “I will sincerely deal with whoever proposes amendments."

Regarding the threats from North Korea, Abe says, “The US-Japan has indeed been effective and has curbed excessive actions of North Korea." He insists that Japan should use the right to collective self-defense to protect American warships.

Photo Credit: AP

Photo Credit: AP

Translated by June
Edited by Olivia Yang

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