Abe disagrees with calls to drastically rewrite war-renouncing Article 9

So, with this move Abe's stance looks like he is defending the Constitution instead of altering it.

You have to hand it to him, He knows how to play the game.

Agree. Trying to make himself look relatively moderate.

Japan loves compromises for a ‘middle ground’. It also loves incrementalism.

Fair and square. Before more Japanese realize the threat coming from China and Russia, and that the US cannot be totally relied upon, this is a sensible middle point.

Very savy and politically prudent. This way he is not the aggressor . You have to hand it to him. Of course Russia and China will see the wolf in sheeps clothes, but may end up respecting it as well. Good play.

Good to hear that the changes will be practical and realistic, well done and very long overdue. Next step is for Japan to nuke up to ensure permanent deterrence from its terrible, terrible neighbours. They have brought this upon themselves

Their goal is to make future generations understand how Japan was drawn into the war through no fault of their own, and that the attack on Pearl Harbour was a lie fabricated by America as an excuse to test nuke weapons.

Hid PR companies did a really good job with this BS.

If you read the first paragraph of the article carefully this actually makes sense. Remember there are several members of the LDP with MUCH more radical ideas and ideologies than Abe has. I am not necessarily a fan of Abe but considering some of the very right wing people within the party (LDP) this could very likely be true.

If the U.S. is ever attacked, I find it hard it believe Japan and the SDF would not lift a finger despite what Article 9 states.

@Michael Jackson, spot on 100% ....

I would love to Article 9 completely deleted, and Japan returned to being a normal country.

Feel free to pull me up if I am wrong with my logic below....

"A change in the second paragraph, depending on the wording, may make it possible to fully exercise the right to collective self-defense,"

Some might say:

"What is the point of even entering into alliances with Japan if Japan is not prepared to come to our aid in times of need"?

So yeah, what is the point, say from the U.S point of view?

Is the point that Japan wants everybody to help Japan if Japan is attacked, but will not lift a finger if the reverse is true? It seems that way.

At this stage the only genuine alliance Japan has is with the U.S, but it something other countries, like France, the U.K, Australia and India need to consider if military cooperation with Japan is to progress any further.

Until that changes, I really do question the usefulness of Japan in military matters. And i question why the U.S or Australia or France or anybody else should do anything at all if Japan is attacked.

You see its a two way street. Not a one way street on Japans terms.

At least take the step of introducing a change which would allow Japan to help if the "homeland" of an ally was attacked. That way you avoid being part of U.S misadventures overseas but still come across as a country willing to help if the U.S mainland or the mainland of any other ally is under attack.

If that change is not made maybe we should simply leave Japan at the mercy of China, Russia and anyone else who wants a slice of Japanese territory.

This "bad cop / worse cop" charade is fooling no-one.

By keeping Article 9 in constitution, Abe can refuse to join US request to join US wars in middle east.

@qurcem: If USA is attacked? No Japan will not going to protect USA. Didn't you know USA is not Japanese territory?

This is just lip service and political play

If you disagree with LDP, they'll easily throw you out. Even if oyu have the chance of becoming Japan's longest reigning Prime Minister. In LDP, it's restoring Japan's "lost" pride and honour that values the most. Abandon everything in their pursue of a glorious Japan with military or not, in LDP's view with military.

Either you agree with LDP, or you're out Abe, maybe even replaced by Kishida or Ishiba? You can't govern the party, the party governs you!

He's just trying to gain the Japanese population's support for his stance, only to exploit it for the worse when he has secured the victory!:(

Mr. Abe is awesome.

LDP members will follow Abe's guideline. Do you people know who created LDP after GHQ ordered him to. create a new political party that could oppose Japan Communist. Party?

toshiko. By keeping Article 9 in constitution, Abe can refuse to join US request to join US wars in middle east.

I don't like Japan SDF involvement in the Middle East, Africa and war in Muslim countries.