Protesters opposed to revising Japan’s “peace” Constitution take part in a rally in Tokyo on May 3. | JIJI

On May 2, demonstrators opposed to amending Japan’s “peace” Constitution gathered outside the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo. Most were opposed to any revision of the Constitution’s pacifist clause, Article 9, which, of course, was well within their rights of free speech and assembly.

But they also carried placards listing the names of professors, including prominent international relations scholars at major Japanese universities, whom they condemned as compromised. Their sin? Serving on government advisory committees. The placards read — and the protestors chanted — the slogan: Goyo gakusha, haji o shire! (Court scholar, shame on you!)

That’s a direct translation. But the true meaning of Goyo gakusha is closer to government lapdog or lackey. The label has a long and useful history in Japan.…