Japan is holding a conference for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Isn't it a bit early?

However, Japanese experience is not the only argument for holding the conference. Japan has long proven to be an important ally of the Ukrainians, but its legislation limits the assistance it can provide.

During World War II, Japan was the aggressor in the conflict. The Japanese military invaded several Asian countries and then focused heavily on military aggression, committing war crimes in China, among other countries.

After the war, Japan was put on a pacifist path. In 1947, a few years after the war ended, Japan introduced Article 9 of the Constitution. This clause is also known as the “no war” clause. Article 9 states that the Japanese state has no right to wage war and prohibits the government from using war to settle international disputes.

In addition, Japanese law prohibits the supply of weapons or other lethal materials to any country in a state of war. As a result, Japan can only provide non-lethal military equipment, such as clothing or helmets. The country focuses its support for Ukraine on humanitarian and financial aid. Japan has already pledged a total of about 11.1 billion euros to Ukraine in the past two years.