Pacifism constituted an important part of post-war Japanese social thought, and it is still a force in Japanese politics. From the late 1960’s, based on the individuals relationship to society and to the country, a new pacifist theory emerged based on “civicism”, which became the guiding thought behind movements like the “Vietnam Peace Alliance”, which directed the Japanese peace movement. This civic background saw pacifism focus on the individual’s dual roles as a “victim” and an “attacker”. “Civicism” played an active role in the development of the peace movement and deepened peoples understanding of peace itself. It accelerated the anti-Vietnam War movement, and had a far-reaching influence on the peace movement thereafter.