Japanese Constitution

is softened by the fact that the term “the people” is translated as “kokumin” (the nationals, the ideological whole) rather than “jinmin” (the independent peoples).

Irokawa Daikichi. The Japanese Constitution. Irokawa Daikichi. when I read the Japanese Constitution in English, I am impressed by its strict and specific wording, particu larly regarding human rights, the theory that sovereignty resides in the people and the renunciation of belligerent rights. But as translated into Japanese, the document becomes much softer. For example, “the people” is translated as kokumin, which means “the nationals.” In Japanese there is a difference in meaning when we say “sovereignty residing in the people” and “sover­eighty residing in the nationals.” Using the term kokumin implies that the people are one ideologically with their country, the land and its borders. On the other hand, jinmin, “the people,” has a connotation of independent beings who may stand against power.

japanese constitution, n.All

japanese constitution