EXCLUSIVE: 18 Governors in Japan See Need for Constitutional Revision

Tokyo, May 2 (Jiji Press)–Eighteen of Japan’s 47 prefectural governors recognize the need to revise the country’s Constitution, a Jiji Press survey has shown. Nine of the 18 governors, including those of Aomori and Osaka, agreed that constitutional revision is necessary. The other nine governors, including those of Yamanashi and Fukuoka, somewhat agreed. Meanwhile, Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki disagreed, noting that the Constitution has “served to promote our country’s pursuit of being a peaceful nation.” The governor of Iwate somewhat disagreed. Twenty-two governors, including those of Nagano and Hyogo, said they neither agree nor disagree. The governors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki avoided giving clear answers. Still, 43 governors agreed that national discussions about whether to revise the Constitution are necessary. The survey was conducted between March and April. The governors of Tokyo, Mie and Nara left all items unanswered. When asked which articles of the Constitution should be revised, six governors pointed to the need to revise Article 9, which stipulates pacifism, and four others somewhat recognized the need. Several governors said that the Self-Defense Forces should be clearly positioned in the Constitution on the premise that Japan adheres to pacifism. A revision of Chapter 8 on local self-government was backed by nine governors and somewhat supported by six others. Tochigi Governor Tomikazu Fukuda said it “should be revised to include more specific and clearer provisions.” Elsewhere in the survey, 11 governors said that the issue of combined electoral districts for the House of Councillors should be resolved. Tokushima Governor Masazumi Gotoda said that all 47 prefectures must be represented to ensure equality under the law. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]