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THE CONSTITUTION OF JAPAN, 1946
Promulgated on November 3, 1946; Put into effect on May 3, 1947.
We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected
representatives in the National Diet, determined that we shall
secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful
cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty
throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be
visited with the horrors of war through the action of government,
do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do
firmly establish this Constitution. Government is a sacred trust
of the people, the authority for which is derived from the
people, the powers of which are exercised by the representatives
of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the
people. This is a universal principle of mankind upon which this
Constitution is founded. We reject and revoke all constitutions,
laws, ordinances, and rescripts in conflict herewith.
We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are
deeply conscious of the high ideals controlling human
relationship, and we have determined to preserve our security and
existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving
peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honored place in an
international society striving for the preservation of peace, and
the banishment of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance
for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the
world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want.
We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone,
but that laws of political morality are universal; and that
obedience to such laws is incumbent upon all nations who would
sustain their own sovereignty and justify their sovereign
relationship with other nations.
We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to
accomplish these high ideals and purposes with all our resources.
CHAPTER I. THE EMPEROR
Article 1. The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and
of the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will
of the people with whom resides sovereign power.
Article 2. The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and
succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial House law passed by
the Diet.
Article 3. The advice and approval of the Cabinet shall be
required for all acts of the Emperor in matters of state, and the
Cabinet shall be responsible therefor.
Article 4. The Emperor shall perform only such acts in
matters of state as are provided for in this Constitution and he
shall not have powers related to government
(2) The Emperor may delegate the performance of his acts in
matters of state as may be provided by law.
Article 5. When, in accordance with the Imperial House law,
a Regency is established, the Regent shall perform his acts in
matter of state in the Emperor's name. In this case, paragraph
one of the article will be applicable.
Article 6. The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as
designated by the Diet.
(2) The Emperor shall appoint the Chief Judge of the Supreme
Court as designated by the Cabinet.
Article 7. The Emperor, with the advice and approval of the
Cabinet, shall perform the following acts in makers of state on
behalf of the people:
(i) Promulgation of amendments of the constitution, laws,
cabinet orders and treaties;
(ii) Convocation of the Diet;
(iii) Dissolution of the House of Representatives;
(iv) Proclamation of general election of members of the
Diet;
(v) Attestation of the appointment and dismissal of
Ministers of State and other officials as provided for
by law, and of full powers and credentials of
Ambassadors and Ministers;
(vi) Attestation of general and special amnesty, commutation
of punishment, reprieve, and restoration of rights;
(vii) Awarding of honors;
(viii) Attestation of instruments of ratification and
other diplomatic documents as provided for by law;
(ix) Receiving foreign ambassadors and ministers;
(x) Performance of ceremonial functions.
Article 8. No property can be given to, or received by, the
Imperial House, nor can any gifts be made therefrom, without the
authorization of the Diet.
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 a mean of settling international disputes.
(2) 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
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