Constitution Memorial Day

There’s no doubt that violence and war have taken away too much, and this is why we take a moment to ponder life during Japan’s Constitution Memorial Day on May 3. Sociopolitical rifts cause too much loss, no matter what side of the conflict you’re on. Japan’s case is no different. Not only did the country inflict violence on other nations, but it also suffered gravely in return. Japan woke up one day to the loss of its cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki – with many families torn apart, children orphaned, family members missing or (assumed) dead. The U.S. attacked the two cities with atomic bombs successively. Around 226,000 were killed, most of whom were mere civilians. After facing unprecedented losses, Japan surrendered in 1945, building a new constitution that would focus on civilian’s welfare and peace. Japan’s Constitution Memorial Day is held every year on May 3. It is a national holiday and it is the second day in the Golden Week of Japan. Memorial Day is special because it celebrates the new constitution that was drafted and brought into legislation after Japan’s emperor, Emperor Showa, surrendered to the Allied Forces, namely the U.S., in 1945. It took a period of two years for the new constitution to be finalized and ratified. Finally on May 3, 1945, the new constitution replaced the older one, which was known as the Meiji Constitution. The Meiji Constitution put much emphasis on conquering other nations through violence and war. It did not have much regard for its civilians and their well-being. On the other hand, the newer constitution focused on upholding the sovereignty of its people, protecting them, and resolving any international conflicts without the use of weapons. The people of Japan also favored democracy as it would allow them to not only choose their own leaders but also choose those sets of principles that served them and their future generations well. Originally, Constitution Memorial Day was meant to be commemorated on November 3 as that was the day when the new constitution was finalized. Many people lobbied for November 3 but it was not chosen because this was also the day when the war crime trials of imperial officers began. Thus, May 3 was finally
chosen as it also happened to be the day on which the new constitution replaced the older one. As May 3 is a public holiday, many people also visit the constitution building to take pictures and experience the history. This is the only day when the building and the constitution documents are open to the public.

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