日本纪念宪法日 (Japan Marks Constitution Day)

在东京，数以千计的活动人士举行集会，纪念日本战后宪法制定60周年，并抗议对和平宪法提出修改。政界人士和学者星期四说，他们反对首相安倍晋三拟议删除宪法中禁止日本拥有军队或者参与战争的条款。这些人士表示，安倍晋三企图将日本变为一个为美国打仗的国家。

美国是日本最紧密的盟友，东京引伸了宪法的有关条款，以便能向伊拉克派遣自卫队支持重建项目。

安倍星期四再次呼吁修宪。他说，1947年制订的宪法已经过时，应该能反映日本更多地参与国际事务。

Thousands of activists in Tokyo have marked the 60th anniversary of Japan's post-war constitution with protests against proposed changes to its pacifist stance. Politicians and scholars Thursday said they are opposed to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's proposal to remove a constitutional clause that prohibits Japan from keeping a military or engaging in war. They say Mr. Abe wants to turn Japan into a country that fights wars on behalf of the United States.

The U.S. is Japan's closest ally, and Tokyo has stretched the limits of its constitution to send troops to Iraq to support reconstruction projects there.

Mr. Abe repeated his calls for constitutional reform Thursday, saying the 1947 constitution is outdated and should reflect Japan's growing participation in world affairs.