Renunciation of War

The “Renunciation of War,” introduced in accordance with the principles of demilitarization and democratization pursued during the early stages of the Allied Occupation, renounces war and the use of force as means of settling international disputes, prohibits the maintenance of land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, and denies the right of belligerency of the state. It was established as Article 9 in Chapter II, “Renunciation of War,” of the Constitution of Japan. Its interpretation has been the subject of continuing debate, particularly with regard to the constitutionality of the Self-Defense Forces and the scope of the right of self-defense, and it has remained one of the major issues in debates over constitutional revision in Japan.