PM Kishida Proposes Constitutional Amendment Draft on Constitution Day

Japan's Constitution Day, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sends a video message to a meeting of people in favor of revising the Constitution in Tokyo. Kishida, who serves simultaneously as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), proposes a constitutional amendment draft to be put to a national referendum. He emphasizes the importance of this issue, stating,"It is the responsibility of politics to present options to the people of this country because amending the Constitution is increasingly becoming an imminent and important issue."

Why this matters: This proposed constitutional amendment has significant implications for Japan's national security and its role in the region, particularly in the face of growing threats from North Korea and China. The outcome of this process will also have far-reaching consequences for the country's relationships with its allies, including the United States.

This development marks a significant step towards potential changes to Japan's Constitution, which has been instrumental in promoting peace and democracy in the country since its adoption 77 years ago. The proposal comes at a time when the post-war international order led by the United States and Europe is on the verge of collapse as a result of prolonged Russian aggression against Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. North Korea continues its nuclear and missile development, and China has become a threat to Japan's security as it builds up its military capabilities.

Despite these challenges, public support for constitutional revision in Japan is at an all-time high. A recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey shows that 63% of respondents are positive about amending the Constitution, the highest result ever under the current polling method. Prime Minister Kishida has repeatedly stated his hope to achieve constitutional revision during his term as president of the LDP.

The LDP calls for the establishment of a committee within the constitutional panel to draft provisions that clarify points of contention and issues to be addressed. In 2018, the party announced its proposal for constitutional revision based on four items: stipulating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces, responding to emergency situations, eliminating integrated constituencies in House of Councillors elections, and improving the education system.

The LDP, its coalition partner Komeito, Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party, and the Democratic Party for the People argue for a provision allowing Diet members to extend their terms of office in cases when elections cannot be held on account of a large-scale disaster or other reasons. An editorial in The Yomiuri Shimbun states,"It is vital to consistently discuss how the supreme law should be and make necessary revisions from the standpoint of what is needed to maintain peace."

In 2015, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe enacted legislation allowing the exercise of the right of collective self-defense in limited situations when the existence of the nation is threatened. More recently, in April 2024, Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden expressed their determination to work together on their security policy at their summit.

As Japan faces an increasingly complex global environment, the debate surrounding constitutional revision intensifies. Prime Minister Kishida's proposal for a constitutional amendment draft and national referendum marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing discussion. The outcome of this process will not only shape Japan's future but also have significant implications for the region and the world.

Key Takeaways

• Japan's PM proposes constitutional amendment draft for national referendum.
• Revision aims to address national security concerns amid North Korea and China threats.
• Public support for constitutional revision is at an all-time high (63%).
• LDP proposes 4 key revisions, including Self-Defense Forces and emergency responses.
• Outcome will impact Japan's relationships with allies, including the US, and global security.