National / History Aug 14, 2020
After 75 years of peace in Japan, wartime issues remain unresolved
by Eric Johnston
Japan has struggled to move on from its World War II history, yet remains tied to events that happened in the aftermath.
Issues | LAW OF THE LAND Jul 15, 2020
Is the Article 9 labyrinth merely academic?
by Colin P.A. Jones
Numerous creative theories have been read into the Constitution's no-war clause by scholars over the years.
National / Reference | EXPLAINER Jul 9, 2020
Cash and politics may stymie any push for strike capabilities in Japan
by Eric Johnston
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is discussing the issue and is expected to put forward its conclusions later this month.
National Jun 24, 2020
China asks Japan to maintain 'exclusively defense-oriented' policy
China on Wednesday asked Japan to maintain its "exclusively defense-oriented" policy under the war-renouncing Constitution, as some Japanese ruling lawmakers have called for Tokyo to acquire the ability to attack foreign bases. "Because of historical reasons, Japan's military security trends have always received the attention ...
National / Politics Jun 18, 2020
Abe apologizes over arrest of ex-justice minister in vote-buying case
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Public prosecutors on the same day arrested Katsuyuki Kawai and his lawmaker wife, Anri Kawai, over vote-buying.
Issues | LAW OF THE LAND Jun 18, 2020
Much ado about retirement ages and Japan's politicized bureaucracy
by Colin P.A. Jones
The scandal surrounding top prosecutor Hiromu Kurokawa has kicked off a debate on retirement ages and interference in Japan's civil service.
National / Politics | ANALYSIS Jun 16, 2020
Abe confronts his sinking popularity as coronavirus-dominated Diet session wraps up
by Satoshi Sugiyama
Failure to shore up his support could hamper the prime minister's ability to call a snap Lower House election and advance his dream of constitutional amendment.
Commentary / Japan May 13, 2020
Now's not the time to debate constitutional revision
by Rintaro Nishimura
The government should focus on coming up with policies to help citizens weather the COVID-19 crisis.
National / Politics | EXPLAINER May 3, 2020
Necessary or not? The LDP's proposed emergency powers clause for the Constitution
by Eric Johnston
73 years since the Constitution took effect, arguments on revising it have focused on the war-renouncing Article 9. But the coronavirus has prompted a different proposal.
National Apr 29, 2020
Japan divided over adding emergency clause to Constitution, survey finds
Academics have pointed out that the ongoing battle against outbreaks of COVID-19 may have led more people to lean toward supporting the amendment.
Commentary / Japan Apr 14, 2020
The coronavirus and Japan’s Constitution
by Lawrence Repeta
Article 41 provides the government with sufficient power to take aggressive action against the COVID-19 outbreak.
National / Politics Mar 22, 2020
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday again expressed his eagerness to add a clause on the existence of the Self-Defense Forces to the Constitution. "We must create an environment in which SDF personnel can perform their duties with high morale and a sense of mission," ...