일본 신문의 헌법개정에 대한 인식-헌법기념일 사설(2007〜2012년) 분석을 중심으로-

Abstract

This research conducted an analysis of Japanese newspaper articles discussing Japanese Constitutional Revision. The range of the analysis was Japanese newspaper articles from 2007to 2012. Perspective about the Constitution of each newspaper and its basic stance on the Constitutional Revision were examined from its articles. Furthermore, more specific issues such as status and role of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the U.S.–Japan Security Treaty,and overseas dispatch of the Japan Self-Defense Forces were examined as well. This research found that majority of the newspapers think highly of the current Constitutio n as what brought prosperity and peace to Japan, and value pacifism in the Article 9. Further more, regarding the specific issues, newspapers support the principle of a strictly defensive national security policy and prohibition of the use of right of collective self-defense that the Japanese government has maintained within the framework of the Constitution. The resea rch found that they strongly criticize the attempt of the Japanese government trying to tear down theses principles. These perceptions of the media are also equivalent to the perception s that most Japanese nationals share. In this perspective, it is expected that strong support on the current Constitution will play a certain role in deterring the movement toward the Constitutional Revision.