The growing militarization of Asia is a serious problem for people of the world. In Japan, the government with the support of US politicians is seeking to overturn Clause 9 of the Japanese Constitution that prohibits war. Recently passed "Patriotism" education legislation encourages nationalism with instruction on indoctrinating "partriotism" in the schools. Japanese teachers are now being susupended and punished for refusing to go along with the nationalist hysteria campaign. The use of "anti-terrorism" laws also threaten all basic labor and civil rights. Transport workers can now be treated as "traitors" for going on strike using this new legislation.

This "anti-terrorism" legislation is also threatening the democratic and political rights of workers and people not only in Japan but Korea, the Philippines and other countries in Asia. At the same time, the US government has also encouraged the remilitarization of Asia including the continued maintenance of US bases and the expansion of weapons and weapons systems in the region. This conference will look at the history of militarism in Asia and why there is a growing threat of war in Asia today.

Initial Speakers: