Not Referring to Amendment

There is a saying in Japanese bureaucracy: Do not let them know, but depend. Just as following it, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a speech in the annual general assembly of Liberal Democratic Party that concealed his determination for constitutional amendment, but focused on economic growth he had been promising. Meanwhile, he did never forget negative campaign against the opposite parties. Taming the people and killing enemy were his fundamental policies.

In the general assembly, LDP resolved the annual platform for 2016. “Under cooperation with every aspect of the people and various groups, we will promote a movement for expanding supports for constitutional amendment,” described the platform. It determined the goal to be securing two-third majority in both Houses, which would be necessary for initiative of constitutional amendment.

However, Abe refused to touch on this heavy and long-time issue for the party and himself. He has long been known as one of the radical top runners in this issue in LDP. After sitting the seat of Premier, he consecutively referred to his willingness of the amendment, including Article 9. Japanese people know well that he is going to take on his ambition, if he gets two-third majority in next election. Constitutional amendment is one of the greatest issues in the election.

Instead, he took time for selling his economic agenda. “The opposite parties criticize us that Abenomics has ended in failure. Numbers prove their argument to be baseless,” said Abe, raising statics of job rate. “By making positive circle between growth and distribution,” added Abe, “we will step forward to the goal of ¥600 trillion of nominal gross domestic products.” As shown these years, Japanese economy has been affected by international trends. It is obvious that future of Japanese economy rather depends on Chinese economy or monetary policy of United States than Abenomics.

His final goal is not economy, but victory in election. The fastest way to it is defeat his enemy. “We cannot be defeated by an irresponsible group,” appealed Abe to regional delegations of the party,” that may do everything, or cope with anyone.” It was apparently an antagonism against Democratic Party of Japan, which is seeking election cooperation with Japan Communist Party.

Opposite parties are sober enough. “It is business as usual for him,” told Katsuya Okada, President of DPJ, “that controversial policy is shortly written in campaign promises and implement it after victory.” Okada’s idea was true as long as seeing LDP’s method used in legislation of Designated Secrecy Law or exercising collective self-defense right. Japanese people have to realize true intention of the parties.