Insisting on Amendment

On the opening day of annual Diet session, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stressed his determination to appeal Constitutional amendment in the election of House of Councillors. It is not unusual for a political leader to uphold constitutional amendment in the countries like United States or Russian Republic. However, that is not so easy in Japan, which has firm resentment against dark history of despotic execution of governmental power.

In the press conference before opening ceremony of the Diet session, Abe was asked about his political agenda for this year. “In the election of House of Councillors, I will firmly appeal constitutional amendment,” said Abe. But, actual goal for the campaign was to maintain simple majority by Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, which will not reach sufficient seats for the amendment. On simultaneous election of two Houses, he denied his idea for it, as most Prime Minister would do.

Here is a calculation. To achieve two-third majority in the House of Councillors, LDP and Komeito have to occupy 162 seats out of 242. Those leading parties possess 76 seats, which are not expiring this summer. For two-third majority, they have to increase their seats by 27, from expiring 59 to newly elected 86. Everyone knows that it is not likely for the leading coalition to achieve that goal.

So, Abe expects additional seats from other parties close to him. If Osaka Restoration Party and Party for Japanese Sentiment are cooperative to his administration, unchanging seats will grow up to 84. The goal for two-third majority will be lowered to 78 for two leading parties and other two conservatives. With some lawmakers willing to change their affiliation to LDP, the goal may not be unreachable.

It is strange that so many lawmakers are upholding constitutional amendment. “The Emperor or the Regent as well as Ministers of State, members of the Diet, judges, and all other public officials have the obligation to respect and uphold this Constitution,” says Article 99 of the Constitution of Japan. Frequently reiterating necessity of changing provision of the Constitution has not to be an attitude of respecting and upholding the supreme law of Japan.

In front of the Diet building, protesters rallied and accused Abe administration as unconstitutional. For them, the administration is already violated the Constitution by reinterpreting Article 9 with new security legislation. The opposite leaders joined the demonstration, appealing united effort to stop the advance of powerful current administration. Constitutionality will still be one of the greatest agenda for this year.