First Meeting

Thursday, February 8, 2001

Meeting Agenda

1. Resignation of directors and appointment of new directors

Four directors were appointed to replace outgoing directors:

  • YASUOKA Okiharu (Liberal Democratic Party), to replace TAKAICHI Sanae who resigned from the Commission.
  • SHINDO Yoshitaka (Liberal Democratic Party), to replace SHIOTA Susumu (Liberal Party) as a director, because of a change in the criteria for the number of directors representing each party.
  • NAKAGAWA Masaharu (Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents), to replace SHIMA Satoshi as a director.
  • SAITO Tetsuo (New Komeito), to replace AKAMATSU Masao, who resigned from the Commission.

2. Matters relating to requests for attendance by informants

It was decided, after discussion, to hear the views of informants on matters relating to the Constitution of Japan (a vision for Japan in the 21st century).


3. Matters relating to the Constitution of Japan (A vision for Japan in the 21st century)

After statements were heard from Dr. NISHIZAWA Junichi and Prof. TAKAHASHI Susumu concerning the above matters, questions were put to them.

Informants

Members who put questions to Dr. NISHIZAWA

Members who put questions to Prof. TAKAHASHI


Main points of Dr. NISHIZAWA's statement

1. The distinction between individualism and egoism

>> Unlike "egoism," which is concerned only with self-interest, "individualism" in the true sense presupposes concern for other people and society as a whole. Today, however, egoism is rampant.

>> One reason for this, in my view, is that the existing Constitution contains many provisions with regard to rights but few provisions with regard to duties and responsibilities. It should therefore be stated clearly in the Preamble of the Constitution that each of the people has a responsibility to develop his or her innate potential and to contribute to the betterment not only of Japan but also of other nations.

2. Science and Technology: Their Role and the Challenges Ahead

>> "National defense" tends to be discussed solely in military terms, but in the 21st century, the decisive contest between nations will be wars in the realm of science and technology.

>> At present, there is a danger of science and technology being misused in ways that are detrimental to human beings. Properly speaking, however, science and technology are beneficial to human beings, as seen in Edison's invention of the light bulb and Watt's invention of the steam engine, and at their root lies humanism.

>> There is a need for a thoughtful approach to research and development that unites science with humanism.

>> For Japan, as a nation poor in resources, the way to survive is to contribute to humanity through inventions that have no parallel anywhere in the world. However, it has been pointed out recently that Japanese research lacks originality.

>> It is very gratifying that research work of a kind that does not usually attract much notice has received worldwide recognition, as in the case of Dr. SHIRAKAWA Hideki (recipient of the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry), but we must reflect critically on the fact that such research has received little attention in Japan.

>> In order to carry out effective research and development within the limited national budget, there is a need to prioritize outstanding research when allocating funds. To that end, it is important to evaluate outstanding research properly by establishing a follow-up evaluation system, and also to discover good "judges" of research projects who are able to discern their value properly in advance.

3. Educational and Related Reforms

>> Because the current generation of teachers received their own education after the system had begun to deteriorate, the fundamentals for appropriate education are lacking in the classroom today, and the ill effects of placing excessive emphasis on individuality in education are also obvious. Thus, reform of the education system is essential.

>> Also, in order to fully utilize the abilities of the Japanese people, we must put an end to age-based discrimination against the elderly.

4. Conclusion

>> Our ideal should be to develop the innate talents of every Japanese and make Japan a nation that is worthy of international respect as "a good country."

Main points of questions put to Dr. NISHIZAWA

HANASHI Nobuyuki (Liberal Democratic Party)

>> In recent years, education has been steadily deteriorating, as seen in the breakdown of discipline in schools and the decline in the academic abilities of university students, for example. How do you view the present state of education?

>> In education, is there not a need to teach such basic skills as reading, writing, and arithmetic? Also, an advisory committee of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology recently recommended that English teaching should begin at the elementary school level, but in that case would there not be a risk that the teaching of basic skills would be neglected?
 

TSUTSUI Nobutaka (Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents)

>> Some national constitutions contain provisions such as Poland's "obligation of solidarity with others" and India's "duty . . . to have compassion for living creatures." When you say that provisions concerning responsibilities and duties toward society should be incorporated in the Constitution, do you envision provisions similar to these?

>> You stated that security is not limited to military means, but, in concrete terms, what do you mean by nonmilitary security?

>> If provisions with regard to science and technology are to be included in the Constitution, do you think that they should be framed both from the viewpoint of state promotion of science and from the viewpoint of guaranteeing the rights of the people?

>> With regard to energy issues, should we not promote the use of natural energy by means of solar cells, for example, rather than the development of large-scale facilities for purposes such as long-distance power transmission?
 

SAITO Tetsuo (New Komeito)

>> What role do you consider that the state should play in the promotion of science and technology?

>> I believe that university reform is a major task that must be addressed in order to improve the system for the promotion of science and technology in Japan. What is your view in this regard?

>> What are your views regarding energy-related problems such as the resumption of operation of the fast-breeder reactor Monju? Also, what is your view on the possible introduction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) to Japan?
 

FUJISHIMA Masayuki (Liberal Party)

>> What should be done in future to promote a change from egoism to individualism, as you advocate?

>> In order to promote the development of science and technology, rather than establishing a follow-up evaluation system, would it not be better to invest extensively in research, even if this involves some waste?

>> You advocate putting an end to age-based discrimination, but at the same time, should we not also consider developing young people's inventiveness and ability to make discoveries?
 

SHIOKAWA Tetsuya (Japanese Communist Party)

>> Academic freedom is guaranteed by Article 23, but from the viewpoint of conducting research freely in the universities, what is your perception with regard to the gap between the provisions of the Constitution and actual policies? Also, can it be said that researchers are currently being provided with a good environment for their work?

>> In light of the pacifist principles of the Constitution, in my view scientists should endeavor to utilize science and technology in a nonmilitary direction. What is your view in this regard?
 

KANEKO Tetsuo (Social Democratic Party)

>> I believe that one cause of the recent deterioration of education and the growing number of heinous crimes committed by young people is the fact that adults have not reflected on their own behavior during the years of the bubble economy, when they looked down on hard work and instead engaged in a frenzy of investment in stocks and land. What is your view of this?

>> In future, should we not concentrate on developing alternative energy sources rather than promoting nuclear energy, since a single nuclear accident has effects that last for several generations?
 

KOIKE Yuriko (New Conservative Party)

>> I believe that there is a need to review the system of university entrance examinations, because students cannot learn enough of what they need to know as adult members of society under the existing system which separates them into humanities and sciences. What is your view in this regard?

>> I believe that our present education system tends to pay too little attention to fostering the ability to think. What is your view of this?
 

KONDO Motohiko (21st Century Club)

>> What is your opinion of the plutonium thermal use plan (for greater use of MOX fuel in light-water reactors)?

>> I think it would be preferable not to use nuclear power generation in the future if there are alternative energy sources, but what forms of natural energy afford scope for future development? Also, what forms of energy can be supplied domestically to a certain extent?
 

Main points of Prof. TAKAHASHI's statement

Introduction (Characteristics of the Recent Political Situation in the West)

>> In recent years, a phenomenon known as a "political experiment" has been occurring in the West. Its characteristics are: (1) the establishment of center-left governments; (2) an increasingly active ideological debate seeking a "third way," whose features include a emphasis on equality of opportunity and a critique of free-marketism; (3) greater depth (integration) and expansion (increased membership) of the European Union; (4) a response to globalization.

1. The Meaning of "Globalization"

>> The debate over "globalization" is confused because, in the absence of a clear definition, the term is used in different senses by "hyperglobalists," skeptics, and transformationalists. I will define it here as "the phenomenon of increasing interactions at the global level in various areas, including politics, economics, culture, communications, and identity."

2. Globalization and the Nation-State

 (1) Transformation of the nation-state
>> Nation-states will continue to exist as globalization progresses. However, their role will be transformed, becoming procedural in nature, i.e., they will coordinate globalization from such viewpoints as democratic control and an emphasis on multilateralism.

(2) Political responses
>> There is a broad array of forces in the political arena, ranging from those that actively affirm globalization to those that oppose it.

(3) The responses of Western nations
>> Britain: Britain will follow a market-oriented course from the viewpoint of promoting globalization.
>> Netherlands: The historical importance of consensus to the Dutch means that they will seek greater flexibility of labor conditions.
>> France: The tradition of etatisme (statism) will remain strong.
>> Sweden: Sweden is searching for a way that links globalization and social welfare.

3. Multilevel Governance

(1) Regionalism

>> In the European Union (EU) and in Asia, steps have been taken toward formation of a "region" (an artificial and creative space defined by newly identifying features common to a number of nation-states); the axis of these regions is a strengthening of "low politics."

(2) The EU's three-tiered structure (EU--nation-states--local regions)

>> Within the EU, a three-tiered structure consisting of the EU, national governments, and local regions predominates. The allocation of roles among these three and combinations thereof will be an issue for the future.

Conclusion

(1) A model of the nation-state and a model of a globalized world

>> In seeking models for the future of nation-states and of the world, it is important first to consider the desirable form of the nation-state and then, on that basis, to address from an autonomous standpoint the question of what kind of world we wish to create.

(2) The shift of civil societies to a transnational basis

>> Relationships among societies are likely to be strengthened in the future, but this does not mean that a civil society on a global scale will be formed immediately. Many problems will have to be addressed before that point is reached.

Main points of questions put to Prof. TAKAHASHI

SHIMOMURA Hakubun (Liberal Democratic Party)

>> From a geopolitical perspective, what is your analysis of the recent state of the relationship between the United States and the EU? Also, would you not agree that the United States and the EU have a different understanding of global standards?

>> As globalization proceeds, I believe that the existence of the United Nations and expansion of its functions will become important. What is your view in this regard?

>> When one compares the Japanese and German constitutions, even if one allows for differences in the postwar environment of the two nations, it seems to me that the Constitution of Japan has not kept pace with the changing times. What is your view of this?

>> Compared with the political trends seen in the West in response to globalization, it seems to me that Japanese politics has both a particularity and a universality that remain uninfluenced by globalization. What is your view of this?

>> What do you consider are the key points if Japan is to formulate a direction for multilevel governance in East Asia?
 

EDANO Yukio (Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents)

>> To what extent has the formation of the EU been influenced by Christianity and Roman civilization?

>> Very similar countries have come together to form the European Union, but I think it would be extremely difficult to form something like the EU in Asia, because the disparity between China and the other nations is too great. What is your view of this?

>> What kind of relationship do Britain, Germany, and Italy each have with the EU?

>> How has the formation of the EU affected the security of its member nations? Also, how likely is the creation of a joint European military force?
 

UEDA Isamu (New Komeito)

>> Should the increasing "depth" of the EU be regarded as a trend that runs counter to globalization, or as a stage in the globalization process?

>> What is the relationship between the EU and older organizations such as the Council of Europe and NATO?

>> When one envisions the future of Japan in the context of globalization, it seems to me that the groundwork is being laid for regionalism in East Asia. What is your view in this regard?
 

SHIOTA Susumu (Liberal Party)

>> I believe that the world is taking on a tripolar structure, the three poles being the United States, Europe, and East Asia. But would you not agree that the integration process in the East Asian region, as represented, for example, by ASEAN, is lagging behind compared with the EU-centered future concept of Europe?

>> In what ways do you think European security arrangements have changed as "national" consciousness has decreased in the process of integrating the European states into the EU? Also, do you think that the system in EU member nations whereby foreigners are granted voting rights in local elections will be expanded?
 

HARUNA Naoaki (Japanese Communist Party)

>> Would you not agree that a spirit of fairness, equality, and protection of the weak will be necessary in dealing with the negative aspects that result from globalization?

>> I believe that in the context of globalization it is especially important to keep alive the principles embodied in the Constitution of Japan, such as the spirit of the Preamble and permanent pacifism. What is your view in this regard?
 

YAMAUCHI Keiko (Social Democratic Party)

>> What are your views on conducting peace diplomacy in accordance with the spirit of Article 9 in order to create nuclear-free and demilitarized zones, such as a Northeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone?

>> In my view, the adoption of the euro as a common currency by EU members is not only an economic policy but also a security policy. Does not this development in the EU have something in common with the spirit of Article 9?
 

KOIKE Yuriko (New Conservative Party)

>> Is the Constitution of Japan good enough for the contemporary era of globalization, in which individuals and corporations are said to choose a nation on the basis of whether or not it will protect their interests?
 

KONDO Motohiko (21st Century Club)

>> If it is true that the EU views even the nations of North Africa as potential future members, is there not a risk that the other African nations will come under the domination of EU members?

>> Amid ongoing globalization in the political world, which do you think should be the focus of Japan's attention: the United States, Europe, or East Asia?