Japan's Contested Constitution - Documents and Analysis (Hardcover)

This book makes available in English the four key proposals on constitutional reform already in the public domain in Japan. The book is unique in that it is the only book to bring together these documents (some of which are presented in English translation for the very first time) all in one volume. These proposals form the backdrop against which the constitutional debate will evolve. Hook and McCormack place these documents in their historical and contemporary context, providing an analysis of their meaning in the development of postwar thinking on the constitution. They introduce the constitution and explain the government's established interpretation of the key clauses subject to controversy, going on to provide a thorough analysis of the differing interpretations of these clauses. Subjects covered include;
* the no war, `pacifist' clause
* tension between the constitution and the US-Japan security treaty
* the political import of the constitution for Japanese political parties
* the significance of the constitution for the Japanese people

Japan's Contested Constitution is essential reading for anyone with an interest in Japanese domestic politics and the international role of Japan.