国是

• Reading: こくぜ
• Romaji: kokuze
• Kanji breakdown: 国 (koku) — nation; 是 (ze) — right, affirmative principle, this
• Pronunciation: /ko.kɯ.ze/

Meaning

National policy; national principle. A fundamental principle or direction that guides the overall policy of a nation and commands broad consensus.

A weighty term implying that a principle has been established as an enduring national commitment, not easily reversed by changes in government. Used in formal political discourse and journalism. Example: 非核三原則 (the Three Non-Nuclear Principles) has often been described as a 国是 of Japan. Distinct from 政策 (specific policy) in its foundational and consensual character.

Examples

1. 非核三原則は長らく日本の国是と位置付けられてきた。 The Three Non-Nuclear Principles have long been regarded as a fundamental national policy of Japan.
2. 経済成長を国是とする考え方は、高度成長期を経て定着した。 The idea of making economic growth a national principle became firmly established through the era of rapid growth.
3. 国是に関わる問題は党派を超えた議論を必要とする。 Issues related to national principles require debate that transcends party lines.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, national policy, constitutional debate

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 国 (koku/kuni) means nation; 是 (ze) is a classical Chinese term meaning 'this is right' or a foundational affirmative principle. Together they convey a nationally sanctioned guiding truth or policy direction.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated