Lyrics
[Introduction]
Constitution of Japan
[Chorus]
We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the National Diet, resolved to secure for ourselves and our posterity the fruits of peaceful cooperation with all nations and the blessings of liberty throughout this land, and resolved that never again shall we be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government, do proclaim that sovereign power resides with the people and do establish this Constitution.
[Verse]
Government is a sacred trust of the people, the authority for which is derived from the people, the powers of which are exercised by the representatives of the people, and the benefits of which are enjoyed by the people.
[Chorus]
This is a universal principle of mankind, and this Constitution is based upon it. We reject all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and imperial decrees in conflict herewith.
[Verse]
The Japanese people, desiring perpetual peace and deeply conscious of the high ideals governing human relations, have resolved to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world.
[Chorus]
We desire to occupy an honored place in an international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the banishment of tyranny, slavery, oppression and intolerance for all time from the earth. We recognize that all peoples of the world have the right to live in peace, free from fear and want.
[Chorus]
We believe that no nation should be preoccupied with its own concerns and ignore other nations, and that obedience to the laws of political morality is universal, and that it is the duty of every nation which wishes to maintain its own sovereignty and to stand on an equal footing with other nations to abide by these laws.
[Chorus]
The Japanese people, on the basis of our national honor, pledge all our energies to the attainment of these lofty ideals and purposes.
