Japanese PM Takaichi Meets Australian PM; Protests on Constitution Occur

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concluded a brief visit to Australia on Tuesday, where she met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to strengthen ties in defense, energy security, and critical minerals. The leaders issued joint statements emphasizing collaboration to counter economic disruptions from China's dominance in rare earths and fuel-supply issues linked to the ongoing war in Iran.

No major new policies emerged from the discussions, which took place amid heavy rain that forced the cancellation of an outdoor ceremonial welcome. The bilateral meeting extended longer than scheduled, and the pair dined together at the official residence.

Takaichi, known for her interest in music, presented Albanese with a rock album by a Japanese band as a gift. Australian officials noted that Takaichi requested no joint press conference, resulting in limited media engagement during the trip.

Takaichi's visit to Australia followed her comments in Vietnam, where she called for advanced discussions on revising Japan's pacifist constitution. She stated that the document, drafted by U.S. occupation forces after World War II, should be updated to reflect contemporary demands.

Revision efforts target Article 9, which prohibits Japan from using military force to settle international disputes.

“We mustn’t have discussion just for discussion’s sake," — Sanae Takaichi, in Hanoi, according to Kyodo. Takaichi and conservative members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party argue that the constitution limits Japan's response to threats from North Korea and China. Recent legislation has allowed for collective self-defense, but Takaichi has made reform a key part of her administration since taking office last autumn. Any changes would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament and approval in a national referendum.”

Demonstrations occurred in dozens of other cities, with participants emphasizing the document's role in maintaining peace since 1947. Protesters carried signs defending Article 9 and criticized moves to expand military capabilities. One demonstrator, Hiroko Maekawa, a councillor for a Tokyo ward, said the ruling party seeks to transform the self-defense forces into a traditional military, which the current constitution prevents.

Another, Megumi Koike, described the constitution as a national treasure. An 87-year-old protester in Osaka, Haruka Watanabe, expressed a desire to preserve it for future generations.

“Under Takaichi, Japan is following America like a dog follows its owner," — Hiroko Maekawa, during the Tokyo protest. Public opinion polls show division, with one survey indicating 57% support for revisions and another at 47%. The protests have grown, from 3,600 participants in late February to 36,000 later that month.”

The discussions in Canberra highlighted Japan and Australia's shared status as U.S. allies facing similar challenges from Beijing's economic coercion. The countries have deepened military cooperation, including Australia's purchase of Japanese frigates.

Takaichi has maintained a hawkish stance on China, including past comments on potential involvement in a Taiwan conflict, which drew criticism from Beijing. In March, Takaichi cited Article 9 in declining a request from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy maritime forces to the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. embassy in Tokyo noted the constitution's foundation in popular sovereignty, human rights, and pacifism, unchanged for 79 years. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, won a landslide election in February with her platform on security and constitutional reform.

While her visit to Australia avoided provoking China, it focused on practical economic safeguards. Both leaders share an interest in stabilizing relations with China, Australia's largest trading partner.