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Grave of the Fireflies Director Isao Takahata Also Chimes in on Constitution Changes

posted on by Carlos Cadorniga

Perhaps his heartrending tale of two siblings whose lives are destroyed by World War II fuels this filmmaker's real-world political views.

Japanese director Isao Takahata, whose work includes the Studio Ghibli classic Grave of the Fireflies, recently gave a lecture in Tokyo stating his opposition against Japan's new security bill, which will allow the reinterpretation of Japan's Peace Constitution as well as the military aid of foreign countries in wartime.

"It's entirely possible for us now to pull a 180," Takahata proclaimed. "We could simply go from a country free of war to one right in it."

Takahata went on to cite his work on Fireflies to support his opinion.

"Japan has made several animated films depicting the horrors of war, a feat that is rare even throughout the world. Though that is quite meaningful, that simply isn't enough to stop it from happening. ... Something must be done to ensure that we remain a nation of peace."

The director then spoke specifically on Article 9 of Japan's Constitution, the section largely in question when it comes to forbidding Japanese participation in wartime.

"With this, we are able to resolve matters without resorting to war. For this there's a need for ingenuity, but we should be able to make a big contribution to the world."

Fellow anime film director and collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki has also voiced his grievances against changing the Constitution. Even cute little Sanrio mascots have urged that pacifism remain a staple to their home country.

[Via NHK]


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