The Rise of Greater Japan: LDP treads carefully in drive for constitutional revision

[Aepsilons]

The Yomiuri Shimbun

The Liberal Democratic Party’s Headquarters for the Promotion of Revision to the Constitution has resumed discussions for revising the top law.

Though the meeting was held Tuesday, former Justice Minister Eisuke Mori, who became the headquarters’ new chairman, plans not to get into details for the time being, because the junior coalition partner is cautious of the issue becoming a point of dispute in the House of Councillors election this summer.

The LDP also aims to search for points of compromise, which may be found in talks with opposition parties, with an eye on political situations that may develop after the upper house election.

“What is important in trying to revise the Constitution is carefully handling minority opinions in the Diet and gaining a consensus from a broader range of lawmakers,” Mori said at the meeting, emphasizing that the headquarters will proceed with the discussions very carefully.

A senior LDP member has said that Mori’s attitude aims to “demonstrate consideration for Komeito.” Soka Gakkai, a lay Buddhist organization which is a main supporter of Komeito, remains deeply wary of Komeito being influenced by the debates for revising the Constitution.

Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi gently dismissed the LDP’s move on Tuesday, saying, “Though the LDP’s policy line is to establish a new constitution written by the nation itself, it is another matter entirely whether a consensus in the Diet can be reached.”

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to secure cooperation from opposition parties by creating clauses about national emergencies in an amended constitution. The planned clauses include one that enables the terms of Diet members to be extended when an emergency, such as a huge earthquake, has occurred.

Also in the current Diet session, Abe has repeatedly made remarks that are enthusiastic about revising the Constitution.

However, there was some difficulty when the previous chairman of the LDP headquarters, Hajime Funada, presented some planned amendments. These were the creation of the national emergency clauses; new types of human rights clauses, such as environmental rights; and a clause about fiscal discipline.

Opposition parties did not agree to the points because they had been proposed at the LDP’s initiative, and thus the debate became deadlocked.

Therefore, LDP Secretary General Sadakazu Tanigaki, who is also the party’s top official responsible for the party’s election campaigns, told Mori that the debates should not be organized in a hasty and sloppy manner.

“It’s because Japan is a beginner at constitutional amendment,” Tanigaki reportedly told Mori.

Tanigaki and Mori plan a strategy whereby revisions to the Constitution will not be hurriedly decided, and they will try to boost momentum for cooperative relations between the ruling and opposition parties.

“Mr. Tanigaki, who represents dovish party members, plays the role of a buffer regarding the highly enthusiastic attitude of the prime minister for revising the Constitution,” a mid-ranking LDP member said.

The LDP headquarters will hold study meetings once a month from now on, and plans to hold debates also eyeing a review of the LDP’s draft of an amended constitution.

On Tuesday, members of the headquarters received a lecture from Makoto Iokibe, chairman of the board of directors of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto, on such topics as how the current Constitution was established.

At the same time, the LDP has begun preparations while looking toward the political situations that may emerge after the upper house election.

It was decided that discussions in Wednesday’s meeting of the upper house’s Commission on the Constitution would look at a two-chamber system, partly in line with the LDP’s wishes.

The LDP apparently takes the view that if the discussion focuses on high-level perspectives, such as role-sharing by the House of Representatives and the upper house, the Democratic Party of Japan will have to join.

Osaka Ishin no Kai is positive toward revising Article 92 and Article 94, which stipulate local autonomy.

The LDP wants to call on other political parties to jointly discuss such matters




@Arryn @TaiShang @Shotgunner51 @Kiss_of_the_Dragon @bbccdd1470 @comci @Red Mahura

LDP treads carefully in drive for constitutional revision - The Japan News

 

[Aepsilons]

So, it is now revealed. Thank You China !

@TaiShang

 

[Kiss_of_the_Dragon]

@Nihonjin1051 ,I don't know much what will be the impact on China regarding the revision of the constitution,I only hope that what ever Japanese government do, will imprrove and not severe Sino-Japanese relation, I think as many Chinese like myself want to see a better tie with Japan and not to lock into a knife throwing at each others.

 

[S10]

Abe can revise whatever he wants, but it does not change the fact that Japan has a looming debt crisis and recession to deal with. You can't rearm with a faltering economy.

 

[Aepsilons]

Abe can revise whatever he wants, but it does not change the fact that Japan has a looming debt crisis and recession to deal with. You can't rearm with a faltering economy.

Looming debt crisis must be handled head on in conjunction with political changes. Thus we can attain realistic goals on positive manner. If Japan must rout, then it must be so; and rise after it.

Denying the undeniable is poor character. We must suffer the insufferable.

@Nihonjin1051 ,I don't know much what will be the impact on China regarding the revision of the constitution,I only hope that what ever Japanese government do, will imprrove and not severe Sino-Japanese relation, I think as many Chinese like myself want to see a better tie with Japan and not to lock into a knife throwing at each others.

It is a paradigm shift , my friend. The old constitution will be rendered nill and a new constitution will be established. The Emperor shall be placed on a more active role , there will be a more active defense posture and one that will formalize treaty partners and peace treaty partners. This is why designing the Russo Japanese peace treaty is so critical right now as it will , upon its passing, redesign Japanese strategic political economy and environment. It will also re draw security plans and broaden Japan's approaches , opportunities.

In the Military sense we will see the scrapping of the JSF (Japan Self Defense) and the return of the Rikugun and Kaigun; the Imperial Armed Forces

• Dai Nippon Rikugun
• Dai Nippon Kaigun
• Dai Nippon Kugun

 

[Pangu]

Interesting! The return of the Emperor to a more active role? Return of Imperial Armed Forces? I hope this time, our nations will converge towards a shared & common security interest, & strategic conciliation & co-dependence.

 

[Aepsilons]

Interesting! The return of the Emperor to a more active role? Return of Imperial Armed Forces? I hope this time, our nations will converge towards a shared & common security interest, & strategic conciliation & co-dependence.

Yes, as it has always been the wishes and yearning of past administrations. I think with the Ascension of Crown Prince Naruhito as Emperor, you will see a greater relationship with China. HIH Naruhito is a strong proponent of Chinese affairs , actually. He is a vocal critic of US military in Japan.

When He assumes the Imperial Throne, and when the constitution provides him with his historical role, He will be the inspiration upon which Japan will gravitate to make necessary , strong decisions.

Ultimately it will not be the PM of Japan who will make key decisions but the Emperor of the Japanese Empire, Himself.

 

[initial_d]

Rise of the samurai eh, interesting situation, it's kinda when japan rebirth itself........

 

[Aepsilons]

Rise of the samurai eh, interesting situation, it's kinda when japan rebirth itself........

 

[bbccdd1470]

The Emperor shall be placed on a more active role

I recall some of your posts said that the imperial family is pro china, also I remember last year Emperor Akihito passively criticized PM Abe's policies during 終戦記念日, so placing the Emperor on more active role is no doubt a great asset on Sino-Japanese relations. However, since Emperor Akihito's stand is so obvious, this should give the American many reasons not to let this to success.
Moreover, the current constitution of Japan is the last chain that American can excise their control on Japan's policy making, this is hard to imagine the American would let the Japanese to revise the constitution that is not in their favor. I think the revised article 9 is more rational approach, since they always support a war between the Chinese and Japanese.

PS) I always support an independent Japan but my concern is American will not sit idle to let's China and Japan reconcile. However, according to the news at least this is good start.

 

[powastick]

Lets see how well Japanese resolve.
Up to 30,000 flock to Japan parliament to protest US base relocation in Okinawa — RT News

 

[Aepsilons]

I recall some of your posts said that the imperial family is pro china, also I remember last year Emperor Akihito passively criticized PM Abe's policies during 終戦記念日, so placing the Emperor on more active role is no doubt a great asset on Sino-Japanese relations. However, since Emperor Akihito's stand is so obvious, this should give the American many reasons not to let this to success.

Indeed, my friend. The wisdom of the Emperor guides all of us Japanese patriots towards what must be done. He , in his wisdom, encourages introspection as well as gently admonishes even the most patriotic of politicians, such as Abe. Abe knows fully well the Emperor's position and the Emperor's preference for Japan to work well with China. Abe is tasked to maneuver , in balance, Japan's national will as well as honoring these historical pact with the United States. It requires precision , my friend, but we must be optimistic that with gradual self empowerment, and a gradual decrease in dependence on the United States, Japan will be able to make bolder positions in cooperation with South Korea and China in a regional -approach. The United States realizes current environment in Japan. I am just curious to see developments in the coming years.

Demigod image of Japanese emperor remains among followers | Inquirer Global Nation

PS) I always support an independent Japan but my concern is American will not sit idle to let's China and Japan reconcile. However, according to the news at least this is good start.

Naturally, they will protest to a more resurgent Japan. The greatest impetus towards a more independent Japan is the nullifying of the current constitution, and the creation of a newer constitution that will be authored by Japanese politicians with the Japanese constituency in mind.

With the recent 2012-2013 China-Japan tension regarding the Senkakus / Diaoyutais --- provided the best catalyst for articulation changes. Under the American perception of China Threat Theory ; Japan utilizes the ascendancy of China as the casus raison and with urging of the United States to 'take up an active role'. What the United States had in mind was that Japan do more to uphold the alliance system that Washington had forced onto Japan in 1951 (The Tokyo-Washington Mutual Defense Treaty)-- by stipulating that Japan be allowed to military defend treaty ally in the event that said treaty ally was to be attacked --- if the Japanese Military and Japanese Government wished it so. This is the objective of the article 9 revision -- regarding the Pro Active Defense Bill.

The bill was passed in 2015.

But what the United States and even the most liberal of Japanese politicians did not expect was the resurgence in Japanese yearning for not just an amendment to an article 9, but the nullification of the entire post-war constitution and the endorsement of a new constitution. One that will be written by Japanese themselves and not under the influence of US military. I suppose the Article 9 revision had opened the "Pandora's Box" so to say , in that it had reawakened Japanese sense of patriotism and independence polity. With the LDP in cooperation with the Komeito, the DPJ and other minority parties , it seems that the new constitution will be promulgated in the 2017-2018 time frame. The specifics is not yet known. One thing is clear, what the United States has imparted onto Japan and the Japanese Military will be used for Japan's self benefit in coming years and in future security pacts. Japan has taken advantage of American defense / security systems, and will utilize that for self transformation.

We learned a lot from them; now it is time to utilize that knowledge for self benefit.

Lets see how well Japanese resolve.
Up to 30,000 flock to Japan parliament to protest US base relocation in Okinawa — RT News

Hahaha, ah yes, and despite their protestation(s), it was passed. These 30,000 protesters are social liberals , the same ones who took part in the 2011, 2012 Occupy Tokyo Episode(s). These are populists , radical leftists. They were ignored and the Bill promulgated without delay.

 

[anon45]

With the recent 2012-2013 China-Japan tension regarding the Senkakus / Diaoyutais --- provided the best catalyst for articulation changes. Under the American perception of China Threat Theory ; Japan utilizes the ascendancy of China as the casus raison and with urging of the United States to 'take up an active role'. What the United States had in mind was that Japan do more to uphold the alliance system that Washington had forced onto Japan in 1951 (The Tokyo-Washington Mutual Defense Treaty)-- by stipulating that Japan be allowed to military defend treaty ally in the event that said treaty ally was to be attacked --- if the Japanese Military and Japanese Government wished it so. This is the objective of the article 9 revision -- regarding the Pro Active Defense Bill.

The bill was passed in 2015.

But what the United States and even the most liberal of Japanese politicians did not expect was the resurgence in Japanese yearning for not just an amendment to an article 9, but the nullification of the entire post-war constitution and the endorsement of a new constitution. One that will be written by Japanese themselves and not under the influence of US military. I suppose the Article 9 revision had opened the "Pandora's Box" so to say , in that it had reawakened Japanese sense of patriotism and independence polity. With the LDP in cooperation with the Komeito, the DPJ and other minority parties , it seems that the new constitution will be promulgated in the 2017-2018 time frame. The specifics is not yet known. One thing is clear, what the United States has imparted onto Japan and the Japanese Military will be used for Japan's self benefit in coming years and in future security pacts. Japan has taken advantage of American defense / security systems, and will utilize that for self transformation.

We learned a lot from them; now it is time to utilize that knowledge for self benefit.

Naruhito is a strong proponent of Chinese affairs , actually. He is a vocal critic of US military in Japan.

I have asked before and not recieved so I am not optimistic about the chances of you backing up your views but...source? I have found nothing of the sort in English.... urging for Japan to keep in mind the correct war history and rebuking historical revisionism? That's not evidence one way or another. Will be willing to take a Japanese source. Are you able to back up your claims?

There is no doubt that today the emperor and his children do provide a face to Japan besides Abe in the same sense as Queen Elizabeth and her children do to the UK, and they are very popular in Japan.

That said it reads an awful lot into it to claim that this discussion for revision is a bid to wildly change Japan's foreign policy or system of government based on no evidence I can find, and especially when you yourself admit

The specifics is not yet known.

Given how you have opined on this topic before with backing it up with anything, I am more inclined to treat this as something you want to see happen rather than something with any real chance of happening.

Of course if it does happen and Japan procedes with a wildly different path than it has done so far then I will give a full apology for my doubt, but I see nothing of the sort now, just boundless optimism for ones own view, unless you can provide something more?

Here are continuing headlines showing that the US-Japan alliance remains strong.

Japan's Maritime Chief Takei: U.S. Industry, Military Key to Address Western Pacific Security Threats - USNI News

Missile defense cooperating is the core of US-Japan alliance : International : News : The Hankyoreh

 

[Aepsilons]

I have asked before and not recieved so I am not optimistic about the chances of you backing up your views but...source? I have found nothing of the sort in English.... urging for Japan to keep in mind the correct war history and rebuking historical revisionism? That's not evidence one way or another. Will be willing to take a Japanese source. Are you able to back up your claims?

There is no doubt that today the emperor and his children do provide a face to Japan besides Abe in the same sense as Queen Elizabeth and her children do to the UK, and they are very popular in Japan.

That said it reads an awful lot into it to claim that this discussion for revision is a bid to wildly change Japan's foreign policy or system of government based on no evidence I can find, and especially when you yourself admit

Given how you have opined on this topic before with backing it up with anything, I am more inclined to treat this as something you want to see happen rather than something with any real chance of happening.

Of course if it does happen and Japan procedes with a wildly different path than it has done so far then I will give a full apology for my doubt, but I see nothing of the sort now, just boundless optimism for ones own view, unless you can provide something more?

Here are continuing headlines showing that the US-Japan alliance remains strong.

Japan's Maritime Chief Takei: U.S. Industry, Military Key to Address Western Pacific Security Threats - USNI News

Missile defense cooperating is the core of US-Japan alliance : International : News : The Hankyoreh

LDP to seek more support for constitutional change - The Japan News

rging for Japan to keep in mind the correct war history and rebuking historical revisionism?

Why of course, the anti-revisionism espoused by His Most Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan was done so in a spirit of balance and in consideration for not only the moderates of Japan, but for Japan's relations in China and Korea. In fact right wing sensationalism in Japan does not benefit Sino-Japanese ties, actually, but can be used by the United States' strategic maneuvering. Right wing movement encourages animosity between Japan and China, which is actually beneficial for the continuation of US military defense alliance with Tokyo and to further entrench themselves. His Most Imperial Highness the Crown Prince , in his wisdom, which stems from the font of the Emperor's own mind, sees the importance of softly admonishing right wing patriots from becoming too emotional, as it does not necessarily benefit Japan's overarching designs with cooperation and development with China and Korea.

Regards.

 

[anon45]

LDP to seek more support for constitutional change - The Japan News



Why of course, the anti-revisionism espoused by His Most Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan was done so in a spirit of balance and in consideration for not only the moderates of Japan, but for Japan's relations in China and Korea. In fact right wing sensationalism in Japan does not benefit Sino-Japanese ties, actually, but can be used by the United States' strategic maneuvering. Right wing movement encourages animosity between Japan and China, which is actually beneficial for the continuation of US military defense alliance with Tokyo and to further entrench themselves. His Most Imperial Highness the Crown Prince , in his wisdom, which stems from the font of the Emperor's own mind, sees the importance of softly admonishing right wing patriots from becoming too emotional, as it does not necessarily benefit Japan's overarching designs with cooperation and development with China and Korea.

Regards.

First off I am glad to see you have not chosen the easy road to simply ignore me, it raises my opinion of your character even if I disagree with your views, some of them more vehemently than others.

That article you posted does mention a desire to improve relations with all other countries in Asia as part of the LDP platform, though not part of the constitutional reform, but it sounds like boilerplate to me, something no one would disagree with and a general interest that anyone would have for their own country, but not something that will be pursued at the expense of all other interests.

Taking into account how the LDP has acted throughout its tenure from 1955 to today (with brief interruptions), I am inclined to think of it as boilerplate.

Even more telling, the LDP has deep ties to the Nippon Kaigi, a right revisionist organization, and not pro-China by the sound of it given their support for visits to the Yasukuni shrine and their claims of exaggeration of the Nanking massacre.

Hypothetically assuming that the LDP revises Japan's constitution, it isn't likely it would herald a change for the better in Japanese/Chinese relations given these views. Rather it could mean a deeper freeze.

While I think it is still wildly optimistic in my opinion that a change in the constitution would herald better relations with China, it is not out of the stadium to hold that opinion that that is what they are going for, though I do not see China being happy with any move that brings Japan closer to what it was before WW2 initially. It would dredge up bad memories and possibly worse.

So far the US supports a Japan taking a greater role in East Asia, and continuing US-Japanese military integration and economic integration have both been discussed, announced, and in the process of being legislated. That is a fact.