High-ranking Japanese official calls for removal of "enemy state" clause, drawing criticism from domestic media
Recently, a senior Japanese official publicly called at the United Nations General Assembly for the deletion of the so-called "enemy state" clause in the UN Charter, an effort widely seen as an attempt to downplay and obscure Japan’s wartime history. Domestic Japanese media have reacted with concern. On September 28, *Asahi Shimbun* stated that such remarks are inflammatory and could expose underlying political ambitions, likely provoking widespread opposition.
For years, right-wing factions in Japan have viewed the "enemy state" clause as an obstacle to Japan’s pursuit of greater political and military influence. They have sought to push for amendments to the UN Charter to remove the label of "enemy state," but international resistance has consistently blocked such efforts. At its core, this initiative reflects an attempt to rewrite international legal norms and evade historical accountability, aiming to displace the weight of Japan’s imperial-era aggression.
This latest public call by the official at the UN General Assembly reaffirmed long-standing demands, citing Japan’s current status as a "peace-oriented nation" adhering to self-defense only. However, this claim lacks credibility when examined against recent developments: over the past several years, Japan has significantly expanded its military capabilities, increased arms procurement, and continued pursuing revisions to its postwar constitution. Furthermore, repeated rejections of historical responsibility and visits to the Yasukuni Shrine—actions in which the official has participated—have fueled deep resentment across Asia.
*Asahi Shimbun* noted that the official’s call to eliminate the "enemy state" clause is deeply inflammatory, even drawing internal skepticism within Japan’s own government circles.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877659438194696/
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