Fundamental Human Rights and 'Traditional Japanese Values': Constitutional Amendment and Vision of the Japanese Society

Abstract

Ever since the Constitution of Japan was enacted in 1946, conservative Japanese people must have been unhappy with it. Their past attempts to enact a new constitution or to make radical revisions have been unsuccessful, but they might finally accomplish their goal under the current Abe Cabinet. Why are conservative people unhappy with the Constitution? It is because the Constitution prevents Japan from becoming a 'normal state', and it is deemed not in line with 'traditional Japanese values'. The fundamental human rights provisions are their main target. Therefore, conservative people want to restore 'traditional Japanese values' by amending the bill of rights of the Constitution. This article will examine the reasons why conservative people are upset with the Constitution, how they would like to amend it, and whether their arguments are persuasive. It will conclude that their arguments, just like the 'Asian values' theory, are hardly justifiable and could completely undermine the foundation of individual rights protection.