Takaichi Seeks 1-Year Timeline for Constitutional Amendment Proposal

Tokyo, April 12 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday sought a one-year timeline for efforts to propose a constitutional amendment. In a speech at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s annual convention in Tokyo, Takaichi, also the party’s president, said, “We hope to hold a party convention next year in a state where we can say that there is a prospect of proposing a constitutional amendment.” “Let us boldly ask the people whether we should turn a new page in the book of history,” she said, expressing her willingness to hold a referendum on the amendment. Specific amendment proposals that have been discussed include explicitly referring to the Self-Defense Forces in Article 9 and introducing an article on national emergencies. Also in her speech, the prime minister stressed the significance of her administration’s “responsible and proactive fiscal policy.” Looking ahead to unified local elections in spring 2027 and the 2028 election of the House of Councillors, Takaichi said, “We will create a strong party that will continue to win elections both at the national and local levels.” Referring to the party’s landslide victory in the House of Representatives election in February, Takaichi said, “This is a great opportunity to build a foundation for winning all elections.” Regarding measures to secure the number of Imperial Family members, Takaichi explained that top priority will be given to a proposal to grant the Imperial Family status through adoption to male members in the paternal line of former Imperial Family branches. LDP policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi told reporters that the party aims to revise the Imperial House Law during the current parliamentary session, which will run through July. At the 93rd regular party convention, the LDP adopted the 2026 policies for its political and campaign activities. They included a goal to submit a draft constitutional amendment to parliament. Attending the LDP convention as guests were Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, the LDP’s coalition partner, and Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), the country’s biggest group of employers. Yoshimura sought a reduction in the number of seats in the House of Representatives and the passage of a bill to realize the JIP-proposed “deputy capital” plan. He also called for moving forward with constitutional revision, saying, “Now is precisely the time to act.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]