Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Emphasizes Willingness for Constitutional Revision: "Will Quickly Prepare Opportunity for Public Choice"

In Japan, Support for Constitutional Revision Is Higher

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his intention once again to amend the constitution by stating his plan to hold a national referendum on the issue earlier than scheduled.

In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun on the 3rd, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I was elected during the 2021 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election by promising to amend the constitution during my term," adding, "My thoughts regarding the realization of constitutional amendment have not changed."

The Japanese constitution has not been amended since it came into effect on May 3, 1947. Kishida explained, "The current constitution has parts that do not fit the times or are insufficient," and stated, "Constitutional amendment is an urgent task that cannot be postponed."

He also emphasized, "We must provide the people with an opportunity to choose as soon as possible," and added, "To hold a national referendum, we need to increase the number of supporters by discussing and gaining the two-thirds agreement required for a parliamentary proposal."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan argues that four items must be amended, including Article 9 of the constitution to include the Self-Defense Forces and emergency provisions, the resolution of electoral district mergers, and the enhancement of the educational environment.

Regarding the necessity of the Self-Defense Forces, Kishida pointed to geopolitical risks. He argued that defense capabilities must be strengthened to respond to North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and China’s ballistic missile launches within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Recent opinion polls conducted by major Japanese media outlets showed that support for constitutional amendment exceeds opposition. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that a survey of 2,055 local voters conducted in March and April found that 61% believe constitutional amendment is necessary. Support was about twice as high as opposition, which stood at 33%.

Of course, there is also opposition. On the same day, an anti-amendment rally was held in Tokyo, gathering about 25,000 people.