VOX POPULI: Constitution Day a time to reflect on the concept of individualism
The English noun 'individual,' which originates from the Latin 'individuus' meaning 'not divisible,' was said to have been translated into Japanese as 'kojin' during the Meiji Era (1868-1912).
The etymology leaves no doubt that every individual is meant to be an independent and integral person.
Author Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) understood, after much effort, the value of individualism as a philosophy based on the concept of the individual.
In 'Watakushi no Kojinshugi' (My individualism), a lecture he gave to a youthful audience in 1914, Natsume explained that individualism is not selfishness, nor does it put one at odds with the State.
Three decades later, postwar Japan made a fresh start by declaring its respect for the individual, rather than the State.
Articles 13 and 24 of the Constitution spell out the concept of the individual, stressing that every individual is an independent person who is neither self-centered nor egoistical.
This is put quite plainly and forcefully in the first part of Article 13: 'All the people shall be respected as individuals.'
And it goes on to guarantee what is termed the right to pursue happiness: 'Their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness shall, to the extent that it does not interfere with public welfare, be the supreme consideration in legislation and in other governmental affairs.'
Lately, Japanese courts have been in the news for their decisions related to constitutional provisions.
In a lawsuit brought by a man who had been switched at birth, the Tokyo District Court last month acknowledged his legal rights based on Article 13.
And in December last year, the Fukuoka High Court cited the right to pursue happiness when it ruled that banning same-sex marriage is in violation of the Constitution.
Natsume stated that individualism is about respecting oneself as well as others and acknowledging everyone's freedom.
To respect the individual is to defend the human rights of other people, and there is no contradiction there.
May 3 is Constitution Day in Japan.
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 3
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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
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