Why is Article 9 of Japan’s constitution called the peace clause?

Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan is known as the "peace clause" because it explicitly renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation.12

Adopted in 1947 following Japan's defeat in the Pacific War, the article pledges that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained". By including this provision, the constitution formally committed Japan to a path of demilitarization and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.13

While the Japanese government later interpreted this clause to permit the maintenance of the Self-Defense Force for the purpose of minimum necessary self-defense, the article remains a foundational element of Japan's postwar identity as a peaceful and democratic nation.123