自衛

• Reading: じえい
• Romaji: jiei
• Kanji breakdown: 自 (ji) — self; 衛 (ei) — defend, guard
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.e.i/

Meaning

Self-defence. The right or act of defending oneself or one's country against attack.

A suru-verb and noun, 自衛 is central to Japan's postwar constitutional discourse. Article 9 of the constitution renounces war, yet Japan maintains the Japan Self-Defense Forces (自衛隊). The tension between pacifist principles and the inherent right of self-defence (自衛権) has driven decades of political debate. Also appears in 集団的自衛権 (right of collective self-defence).

Examples

1. 政府は自衛のための最低限の実力行使は合憲だと解釈している。 The government interprets the minimum use of force for self-defence as constitutional.
2. 集団的自衛権の行使を容認する閣議決定が行われた。 A cabinet decision was made to permit the exercise of the right of collective self-defence.
3. 自衛隊は災害救助活動でも重要な役割を果たしている。 The Self-Defense Forces also play an important role in disaster relief activities.

Usage Guide

Context: constitutional law, national security, political debate

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 自 (ji) meaning 'self' and 衛 (ei) meaning 'to defend or guard.' The compound means to protect oneself from external threats.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal