Japan's constitution turns 70 on May 3. Some people don't want any amendments at all, while others say some amendments are needed to reflect modern times (the nation's security and the emperor's abdication, for example). What's your view on constitutional amendments?

If the constitution is so malleable in meaning that the government can, by cabinet order, simply re-interpret it at will with no judicial oversight, which is what the current administration did, then why do they even need to amend it?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The problem with changing the constitution is that it will be changed by politicians, and these changes will inevitably benefit politicians and their supporters, the well-being of the people is naturally irrelevant. Abe and the LDP are mostly hereditary members of a ruling class, the people are serfs. Changes to the constitution will give the state more power and authority, which necessarily means that the people themselves will have less.

The constitution belongs to the people, not to Abe and the LDP, and any changes should require a super-majority vote of the people, and not a simple-majority vote of the LDP-controlled Diet.

Agree 100% with Zichi.  This is more than a constitutional amendment- This is a complete revamp of Japan's political and geopolitical standing in the whole world.  Even if the constitution needs amending-which it doesn't- it shouldn't be ammended by a right wing fascist like Abe or the other members of the LDP.  There should be a public debate followed by a referendum where the public themselves get to decide.