"The war is over, if you want it."

Give peace a chance.

No war, if you want it!

At the heart of the matter is this: Article 9 of the pacifist Constitution of Japan -

CHAPTER II RENUNCIATION OF WAR Article 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

Recently, the majority Liberal Democractic party and its allies in the Japanese Diet (bicameral legislature) have targeted this crucial and model pillar of the more-than-68-year-old pacifict Japanese Constitution. They are trying to pass legislation to bypass it with agreements to militarily help Japan's allies in times of war, including the U.S. It may be for refueling missions and the like. Essentially, it puts Japan in an ethical dilema that rocks it to the core of its foundation as a modern nation.

Scuffle in the Japanese upper house of the Diet.

Mr. Kaname Harada, a 'zero' pilot from WWII who saw much action, is against war too.

I argue that Japan should maintain its steadfast pacifist stance. Its government need not bow down to the will of U.S. politicians. For nearly 70 years, Japan has been doing it right, choosing not to harm any other people. Instead, Japan is internationally recognized in its ready and financial willingness to help those suffering from war, disease and natural disaster. We now know that a country can evolve beyond war and can act humanitarianly. This is the path all nations ought to follow.