Editorials Dec 16, 2018
It's vital that detailed public discussions be held on the constitutionality of using government money to hold religious rites.
National / Crime & Legal Dec 11, 2018
Lawsuit filed against Japan's state-funded ceremonies to mark Imperial enthronement
Members of religious groups and other citizens sued the government on Monday, claiming that planned public spending on ceremonies involving the enthronement of Crown Prince Naruhito next year violates the constitutional principle of separation of religion and politics. The 241 plaintiffs including Christians and Buddhists ...
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Dec 10, 2018
With debate on constitutional reform sidelined, has immigration law been a pyrrhic victory for Abe?
by Tomohiro Osaki
As the extraordinary Diet session wrapped up, Abe found himself no closer to fulfilling his longtime ambition of amending the nation’s postwar Constitution.
National Dec 1, 2018
A remark by Prince Akishino, who will become heir to the Chrysanthemum throne next year, stirs controversy over how freely members of the Imperial family can speak about contentious matters.
National Nov 30, 2018
What's behind the controversy over funding of Imperial succession ceremonies in Japan?
The following questions and answers relate to controversy over Imperial succession rituals set to be held following the enthronement of Crown Prince Naruhito on May 1, the day after his father, Emperor Akihito, abdicates. How does the Constitution separate religion and state? Article 20 of Japan's ...
National / Politics Nov 28, 2018
Liberal Democratic Party won't present Constitution revision plan to Diet this year
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party has given up its plan to present draft amendments to the pacifist Constitution to the ongoing extraordinary Diet session, sources close to the matter said Wednesday. In a policy speech in the Diet last month, Abe expressed his ...
National / Politics Nov 27, 2018
Constitutional referendum would unleash TV blitz never before seen in Japan
by Tomohiro Osaki
If Japan ever calls a referendum on whether to revise the postwar Constitution, it could spark a heated TV advertising war, akin to what the U.S. goes through for its presidential election campaigns. The national referendum law as it now stands in principle enables anyone ...
National / Politics Oct 24, 2018
Abe underscores push to clean up Japan's postwar diplomatic rows in opening speech to Diet
by Tomohiro Osaki
The prime minister emphasized his determination to ensure the return of citizens abducted by North Korean agents and the signing of a peace treaty with Russia.
National / Politics Oct 5, 2018
LDP to present draft for revising Japan's pacifist Constitution to Diet without consulting Komeito
In a bid to pursue Abe’s long-cherished goal, the LDP plans to offer its proposals during the session expected to be convened later this month.
National / Politics Oct 4, 2018
by Tomohiro Osaki
Yoshihide Suga rebutted the reports by repeating the prime minister’s official stance, saying LDP lawmakers will seek to put together a unified formal party proposal.
Commentary / Japan Oct 3, 2018
Abe versus Japan's 'invisible hand'
by Jeffrey W. Hornung
Will public opinion thwart Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's effort to amend the Constitution?