Abe seeks support for constitutional revision

After all, Abe is an old fashioned politician. Japan needs a prime minister who can show us new Japan in new era.

Abe must be pretty worried about peace breaking out on the Korean Peninsula. It undercuts much of the stated logic behind his Art.9 revision plans.

Why is Abe still here?

Wasn't he going to step down because of the scandal?

Or has he gotten away with it?

Bertie; All has been forgotten as the news is now dominated with news about Sumo, Tokio and every other petty thing that is happening in Japan. It's how the system works here.

Everyone is dragging their feet because its not a huge pressing issue. Japan will revise its constitution back, its just a matter of time and necessity.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought public support Tuesday for his long-cherished goal of revising the country's war-renouncing constitution 

Japan’s constitution does not renounce war. Should they be attacked Japan can lawfully wage war against those waging war against them.

Excellent news. Constitution reform is gathering pace now.More and more people realize that it is time to modernize Japans foreign written constitution which has not served well. Change Article 9,allow Japanese Military forces to fight overseas,and help US Military in conflicts.Japan needs a stronger, modern Military and a constitution to back it up, to defend herself lawfully. PM Abe is correct when he states It is the most dangerous time to be in Japan since the end of the War,.

Stay on the Course, PM Abe and gain the public understanding. Change that Constitution!

Earlier amendments proposed by the ruling party in 2012 were intended to restore prewar values centering on the emperor and on placing the national interest above individual rights in some cases.

And that's exactly why the changes should be fiercely opposed both from within, and outside of, Japan!

The Japanese 'rule/serve' mindset has not changed since the war. Schoolkids are still taught to blindly follow, repeat and memorize 'facts' but not to actually think. The Japanese are still insular and dangerous in their social belief system. The people of Japan didn't seize power while they had the chance to liberate themselves after the war. The warmongers and their descendants continue to rule to this very day.

The only things stopping another giant 'forest fire' breaking out in this region (and quickly beyond) is the constitution and the US military presence (because it still suits the US for now..).

If the constitution is changed, Japan will be armed to the teeth within a short time. Then the entire region will be properly destabilized and on the brink of the next major war. With China, Russia and NK so near by, it's not wise at all.

Think, think about it!

There have been several surveys done over the last few years showing over 60% of the public are against a constitution change. I am also against a constitution change. Japan has not grown up at all since WW2 and has the same right-wing Imperialist views as they had over 70 ago. As stated above, Japan will arm it's military and start throwing its weight around in Asia and very quickly will start another war.

I'm impressed the article actually mentions the other sneaky changes Nippon Kaigi want.

" Earlier amendments proposed by the ruling party in 2012 were intended to restore prewar values centering on the emperor and on placing the national interest above individual rights in some cases."

They LDP/Nippon Kaigi yearn for a return to the 1930s constitution. I don't trust these people to anything to benefit the people at all. Entrenching their own agendas and family's hold on power is more their motivation for these changes. And a need to live out their fantasy of being the leaders of Asia, as warlords.

About time too! Japan needs a full nuclear triad for deterrence, if they had that they wouldn’t need a bigger conventional military force, so would be a win-win for all.

Japan needs a full nuclear triad for deterrence, if they had that they wouldn’t need a bigger conventional military force, so would be a win-win for all.

Except being the ultra-conservatives that they are, they would not stop at just a deterrent. They would have the big military force also (they already do!).

It's about as illogical to the Japanese mind as decreasing an over-stressed worker's duties because 'with proper management, they don't need to be overworked'. TIJ.

Good luck Abe.

There was an article on JT a few days ago (conveniently overlooked by many) where it mentioned that over 60 percent of Japanese polled thought a revision of the constitution was NOT necessary.

Getting support is easy!!! Just hold a press conference and do what all politicians do...make promises you don’t intend to keep and get the media to make pie charts and graphics detailing your vision, also hire a mascot to make everyone feel relaxed and trusting about your “scheme”

Japan needs a full nuclear triad for deterrence, if they had that they wouldn’t need a bigger conventional military force, so would be a win-win for all.

Yeah, except that Japan has vowed to never have nuclear weapons. Perhaps this will change with the constitution.

A very rational and reasonable request and will be achieved very soon. With the terrible, terrible neighbors that Japan has, this is a no-brainer

Wellington, terrible neighbors ? There would be no Japan without the neighbors. That is so true. Japan can't exist in any other neighborhoods, as simple as that !

Let us see how long Abe can fool Japanese in particular, and fool the world in general.

Constitution reform is gathering pace now.More and more people realize that it is time to modernize Japans foreign written constitution. 

Gambare Japan - that's just plain wrong, just check a few opinion polls if you don't believe me.

@ cucashopboy - opinion polls dont rule Nations. Strongman Leaders do. That is why PM Abe is needed so much now,to gain public understanding and make Japan strong again. Sick of being bullied by all nations all the time. Dont believe the media hype of Pacifist people or media spin.

Strongman leaders pffft !

Captain dicky-tum and his bunch of fossil cronies should be consigned to the past where they belong.

Yeah, except that Japan has vowed to never have nuclear weapons. Perhaps this will change with the constitution.

They have vowed it but nothing in their constitution prevents them from acquiring a nuclear deterrent. I'd say this is a much more preferable option over retaining a huge standing armed forces, spending heavily on maintenance and military purchases, etc.

All it would take is for China, Russia, or NK becoming more aggressive in the region, or for the US pulling out of the region, for the public to warm to the idea

Abe seeks a support, as if he is a democratically minded leader ? what kind of joke is that ? Japanese majority clearly and consistently are against his plan to change the constitution. Is that not enough to stop him ?

There is no harm in recognising the constitutional reality of S D F by revising the Japan's constitution. All Japanese should fully support PM Abe's move for such revision.

Being a PM of Japan, Abe calls the Japanese constitution a foreign written. That is not only ridiculous but also the biggest lie in the world. The constitution is adopted by Japanese people, it is their constitution. Can any foreigners change the constitution ? Once passed by the parliament, the constitution becomes Japanese law, has nothing to do with who wrote it. Clearly, Abe never took any logic when he was studying politics in the University.

B.l. Sharma said that All Japanese should fully support PM Abe's move for such revision. Sharma, it will never happen, unless Japan would have only one Japanese left, and who has to be Abe.

@ cucashopboy - opinion polls dont rule Nations. 

Of course they don't. They indicate what people is thinking and consistently show that most people are against consitutional change, particiularly if it is instigated by Abe. Saying that there was growing momentum for consitutional change was simply a made-up fact.

Ganbare Japan!Today  10:27 am JST

@ cucashopboy - opinion polls dont rule Nations. Strongman Leaders do.

Like Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, Saddam and King Jong-Un?

That is why PM Abe is needed so much now,to gain public understanding and make Japan strong again.

Because he's a "strongman leader," i.e. a wannabe totalitarian dictator?

They have vowed it but nothing in their constitution prevents them from acquiring a nuclear deterrent.

A 'vow' clearly doesn't mean much to Abe, anyway. I wonder if (when) the consitution is changed, will Abe vow and pledge peace to the area? Three arrows of freedom? Urge?

I don't agree with open-door policy immigration pushed by Abe but I hope he change article 9 of constitution and kick butt of comunist china, fortunately the Japanese People are realizing how communist China is terrible.

UdondashiToday 12:12 pm JST

I don't agree with open-door policy immigration pushed by Abe but I hope he change article 9 of constitution and kick butt of comunist china, fortunately the Japanese People are realizing how communist China is terrible.

OMG! What is Abe's 'open-door immigration policy'? Do you mean the one where people in the free world can travel to other countries when they have the correct visa? Ooooo..K then!

And before LDP has even changed the constitution, you want Abe to go off and wage war with China? On what grounds? I thought NK was the threat, oh wait! South Korea? Oh! Russia, right? ... Now it's China?

This is the type of extreme right 'logic' that still exists under the surface of Japan that we want to keep well away from weapons! This display is one major reason why your neighbors don't trust you (assuming you are Japanese).

“There is no harm in recognising the constitutional reality of S D F by revising the Japan's constitution. All Japanese should fully support PM Abe's move for such revision.”

Agree. But Japan hates “change.” They’d rather send their sons / daughters to universities and then off to serve corporate Japan. They’d rather see the young US service men/women catching Chinese bullets and providing for Japan’s common defense.

Being a PM of Japan, Abe calls the Japanese constitution a foreign written. That is not only ridiculous but also the biggest lie in the world.

Ok, I'm opening to the idea that it's not foreign written as claimed by Abe. But then you went on to say this:

The constitution is adopted by Japanese people, it is their constitution. Can any foreigners change the constitution ? Once passed by the parliament, the constitution becomes Japanese law, has nothing to do with who wrote it. Clearly, Abe never took any logic when he was studying politics in the University.

You didn't write anything that supported your assertion that the constitution was foreign written is the biggest lie in the world. So can you support that assertion with something that shows it wasn't foreign written?

fortunately the Japanese People are realizing how communist China is terrible

China is not communist.

many Japanese scholars still consider the Self-Defense Force unconstitutional and that the constitution needs to be revised to spell out its legitimacy

Why not argue the case in the supreme court and get them to rule on the constitutionality of the SDF? I guarantee the court would rule the SDF is constitutional and that would be the end of the matter. It should only take 20-30 years for a ruling to be concluded, so let's get started.

China is not communist.

China's constitution declares that the country is ruled "under the leadership" of the Communist Party of China. As China is a de facto one-party state, the General Secretary (party leader) holds ultimate power and authority over state and government serving as the paramount leader.

intended to restore prewar values centering on the emperor and on placing the national interest above individual rights in some cases..

That means forcing civilians to serve the army at any time the state see fit, if they refuse the call when it comes then it's jail time facing martial court.

For a country where so many people are above 50 years old this doesn't sound attractive for those civilians, I believe.

If anyone attacks Japan right now USA, China and Russia will get involved right away igniting WW3 and seems like North Korea don't really want that to happen so the real reasoning behind these calls for constitutional changes are simply self-rewarding political interests.

For a country where so many people are above 50 years old this doesn't sound attractive for those civilians, I believe.

I don't think many young people will find the idea of forced conscription attractive either!

“I don't think many young people will find the idea of forced conscription attractive either!”

And with the declining population, guess the Americans will stationed here forever then.

Japan's referendum is out of Public Election Law.

Therefore,almost "No Regulation",

and,Even Bribery is not illegal.

New Constitution Plans is about to be made by Japanese extreme-rightists who tamper with the official documents to conceal inconvenient facts,and counterfeit convenient Data.

Interests of most Japanese at holiday week are Sports Hero or Show Biz Scandals.

Watch the Great Raid, that itself will tell you all that the mindset should a Japan be militarized has not changed at all. The only losers will be the common people in Japan.

It is quite normal for a Government that thinks its countries constitution requires change, to champion the cause. It must convince the majority of the voting population that not only are the changes a good idea, but that there is a benefit in making the proposed changes.

So far scare tactics about the NK threat have been the main plank used to get public approval for a change.

Japanese are still scared of war after their comprehensive defeat in WWII and who can blame them? Smart people do not want or pursue war. But smart people also prepare for the worst should it occur. By far most sovereign nations have an active military for defense and deterrence.

Article 9 of the current constitution (written by America) puts Japan at a distinct disadvantage in comparison to all other Sovereign Nations. Limiting the available options should Japan be threatened or Japans allies attacked. Even the country that authored Article 9 would welcome a change of the constitution to update or even remove article 9. Waiting until it is attacked to change or update is waiting to long. You cant buy insurance for an accident AFTER it happens.

Making a change is smart. The population needs to continue to ensure that if it IS done that it is done right and with their blessing.

You cant fault Abe for doing what he genuinely believes is in Japans best interest. Just keep an eye on it to ensure its done correctly.

They don't need to amend the constitution. They can just blatantly disobey it and when there is an opportune moment of conflict or some actions by China they can amend it. What happens if they disobey it? Nothing much other than some electoral loss maybe. The Japanese supreme court seldom rules against the government and even when they do they often don't spell out a remedy. They have no power of enforcement so really they are just there for show.

Japan most certainly should change the second paragraph of Art 9 to officially recognize the existence of the JSDF. The current wording is simply a contradiction with reality. The first part of Arty 9 wherein Japan denounces the use of "war", should be maintained.

M3M3M3May 2 07:32 am JST

Abe must be pretty worried about peace breaking out on the Korean Peninsula. It undercuts much of the stated logic behind his Art.9 revision plans.

Changes in Art 9 and in Japan's defense posture started changing well before the current North Korean crisis, brought about by China's aggressive territorial posture starting about 10 years ago. That hasn't changed regardless of how and if the North Korean issue is resolved.

DisillusionedMay 2 09:09 am JST

I am also against a constitution change. Japan has not grown up at all since WW2 and has the same right-wing Imperialist views as they had over 70 ago.

You really should have a talk with some of the older people who lived under the military rule, becayuse your comment is pure nonsense.

zichiMay 2 10:54 am JST

Japan has enjoyed 70 years of peace so why change anything.

Because the world around Japan has changed, most notably China.

Simon FostonMay 2 11:54 am JST

Ganbare Japan!Today  10:27 am JST

@ cucashopboy - opinion polls dont rule Nations. Strongman Leaders do.

Like Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, Saddam and King Jong-Un?

Don't forget Xi Jing Ping, ruler for life of the totalitarian one party Chinese dictatorship.

I hope all of you opposing Japan having a stronger military are also ok with the US military staying in Japan, because realistically, it's one or the other. Japan has to be prepared to defend itself somehow.

Wellington, terrible neighbors ? There would be no Japan without the neighbors. That is so true. Japan can't exist in any other neighborhoods, as simple as that !

A fruitless attempt to hide an inferiority complex :)

I hope all of you opposing Japan having a stronger military are also ok with the US military staying in Japan, because realistically, it's one or the other. Japan has to be prepared to defend itself somehow.

I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on the US military presence in Japan. I don't want them to change the constitution however, but I also don't think they need to - they can build up the SDF, and make it as strong as need be. A strong self defense force is something probably every country should have. But no one should ever attack unless attacked first.

I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other on the US military presence in Japan. I don't want them to change the constitution however, but I also don't think they need to - they can build up the SDF, and make it as strong as need be. A strong self defense force is something probably every country should have. But no one should ever attack unless attacked first.'

What is this, a sensible comment about the Japanese military? ;-)

But seriously, I said what I did because the majority of comments I see whenever this comes up is that either A) Japan shouldn't be allowed a larger military because they will just go back to invading everyone or B) Japan shouldn't even have a military and should be making peace with everyone.

I agree that they should have a military as large as they see fit, but I also think it is fair to desire that the constitution that the US helped draft be updated.

Why is Abe still around? Surely the scandals should’ve forced him out by now.

Considering how tarnished his reputation is, he won’t get any support for this move now.

Akie May 2  11:22 am JST

Being a PM of Japan, Abe calls the Japanese constitution a foreign written. That is not only ridiculous but also the biggest lie in the world. The constitution is adopted by Japanese people, it is their constitution. Can any foreigners change the constitution ? Once passed by the parliament, the constitution becomes Japanese law, has nothing to do with who wrote it. Clearly, Abe never took any logic when he was studying politics in the University.

Here something to be found at the LAW LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

*Japan’s post-Second World War constitution was born when Japan was occupied by Allied forces. During the first stage of the occupation, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces and legislators of the constitution thought Japan would not have a military force again. Article 9 of the Constitution renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining the war potential. *However, as the United States changed its policy of demilitarizing Japan, the United States asked her to share the burden of maintaining the security of Japan and, for the sake of international peacekeeping, Japan gradually increased its defense capability and developed a somewhat more technical interpretation of article 9. 

https://www.loc.gov/law/help/japan-constitution/japan-constitution-article9.pdf

Clearly, Abe never took any logic when he was studying politics in the University.

Clearly, someone never understood reasoning, the process by which you reach a conclusion after thinking about all the facts. Most kids start with that at primary school :)

Notice he didn't say it was for North Korea this time around. Didn't need a military to resolve the peacefully, and in fact, just needed Japan to step away.