We, the Japanese people, acting through our duly elected representatives in the
National Diet, determined that we shall 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 firmly establish this
Constitution. 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. This is a universal principle of mankind upon which this Constitution
is founded. We reject and revoke all constitutions, laws, ordinances, and
rescripts in conflict herewith.

We, the Japanese people, desire peace for all time and are deeply conscious of
the high ideals controlling human relationship, and we have determined to
preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the
peace-loving peoples of the world. We desire to occupy an honored place in an
international society striving for the preservation of peace, and the
banishment of tyranny and 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.

We believe that no nation is responsible to itself alone, but that laws of
political morality are universal; and that obedience to such laws is incumbent
upon all nations who would sustain their own sovereignty and justify their
sovereign relationship with other nations.

We, the Japanese people, pledge our national honor to accomplish these high
ideals and purposes with all our resources.
