What role for Japan in the UN?

Why is the Foreign Ministry so enthusiastic (about Japan's plea for a seat on the United Nations Security Council)?

For us, the question of what we can do is more important than just the act of getting a seat.

What kind of a role has Japan played in the United Nations in the past? Hasn't it often turned its back to the nuclear ban movement? Hasn't it only been following the United States? Whether we like it or not, the Security Council determines the military action of the United nations. Can Japan really refuse to take military action, while asking other countries to contribute?

"Yes," says the Japanese government. But, in the past, it has always modified the constitution to suit the reality instead of defending it. We are afraid it will happen again.

-- Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyo