Ko-meito- in Japanese politics

In the study of Japanese politics, Ko-meito- tends to be overlooked despite its position as a casting voter. This paper sheds light on the influence of Ko-meito- and its pacifism on Japan's security policy. By applying a theoretical classification based on political philosophies, this study categorises Ko-meito-'s pacifism as 'anti-war pacifism', 'realistic pacifism', and 'international pacifism'. Based on these theoretical perspectives, this paper argues that Ko-meito-'s anti-war pacifism has been consistent, that the party has recognised Japan's right of self-defence based on realistic pacifism, and that Ko-meito- has supported Japan's contributions to post-conflict peace operations based on international pacifism. To substantiate the main arguments, this paper outlines the historical background of the pacifism of Ko-meito-, the shift in security policy of the party in the Cold War period, and examines the roles of the party in the three important legislative processes of the 1992 International Peace Cooperation Law, the 2001 Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law, and the 2003 Iraq Special Measures Law. Finally, the paper explores the implications of Ko-meito-'s stance on constitutional revision with particular regard to Article 9, the so-called 'peace clause', which is crucial to Japanese security policy. Reprinted by permission of the electronic journal of contemporary japanese studies