Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Pushes for Constitutional Reform Amid Defense Shifts

Japan's Prime Minister is advancing efforts to revise the country's constitution, focusing on legitimizing the Self-Defense Forces. The push follows recent actions such as increasing defense budgets and lifting a ban on lethal weapons exports. These developments occur against the backdrop of China's military buildup and North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

The constitution, drafted in 1947 during the Allied occupation after World War II, includes Article 9, which renounces war and prohibits maintaining armed forces. Japan has interpreted this to allow self-defense, establishing Self-Defense Forces in the 1950s and expanding their role over time.

In 1992, legislation permitted overseas deployments for peacekeeping.

In a mid-April speech to parliament, the Prime Minister stated that she hopes to initiate constitutional revisions within the next year. At a party convention on April 12, she called for mobilizing party members to advance the revision process. A former leader attempted similar reforms, including a 2014 decision allowing collective defense.

The former leader proposed revising Article 9 in 2017 but could not achieve the necessary consensus before stepping down in 2020. Amending the constitution requires two-thirds majorities in both houses of parliament and majority approval in a national referendum.

Nobukatsu Kanehara, a senior Japanese diplomat and executive director of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, stated that gaining a two-thirds majority in the upper house remains difficult. Public opinion is split, with some supporting recognition of the Self-Defense Forces amid security concerns.

A poll last year indicated majority favor for adding justifying language to the constitution. Opposition has led to protests, including a rally of about 36,000 people outside the parliament building on April 19. Protesters expressed concerns that changes could involve Japan in conflicts like the ongoing Iran war.

The Prime Minister has urged party members to explain the constitution to the public to build support.