Constitution of Japan
• Preamble
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.