日本紀念憲法日 (Japan Marks Constitution Day)

在東京，數以千計的活動人士舉行集會，紀念日本戰后憲法制定60周年，并抗議對和平憲法提出修改。政界人士和學者星期四說，他們反對首相安倍晉三擬議刪除憲法中禁止日本擁有軍隊或者參與戰爭的條款。這些人士表示，安倍晉三企圖將日本變為一個為美國打仗的國家。

美國是日本最緊密的盟友，東京引伸了憲法的有關條款，以便能向伊拉克派遣自衛隊支持重建項目。

安倍星期四再次呼吁修憲。他說，1947年制訂的憲法已經過時，應該能反映日本更多地參與國際事務。

Thousands of activists in Tokyo have marked the 60th anniversary of Japan's post-war constitution with protests against proposed changes to its pacifist stance. Politicians and scholars Thursday said they are opposed to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's proposal to remove a constitutional clause that prohibits Japan from keeping a military or engaging in war. They say Mr. Abe wants to turn Japan into a country that fights wars on behalf of the United States.

The U.S. is Japan's closest ally, and Tokyo has stretched the limits of its constitution to send troops to Iraq to support reconstruction projects there.

Mr. Abe repeated his calls for constitutional reform Thursday, saying the 1947 constitution is outdated and should reflect Japan's growing participation in world affairs.