Demanding Discussion for Amendment

In the midst of international focus on inauguration of President of United States, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made his annual policy speech in the Diet on Friday. While he had to deal with complicated relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, Abe showed his willingness to tackle such important domestic issue as constitutional amendment. It can be an epoch making session of the Diet.

Abe administration achieved two-third majority in both Houses for amendment of Constitution of Japan last summer. He has closely been watching the time for taking action for it. Quoting an old example of cram cultivation in Tosa, located in southern coast of Shikoku Island, which caused broad frustration in the people who wanted to consume crams, Abe required the people vision for future.

As usual, Abe accused the opposite parties of their obstinate protest against his administration. “It produces nothing, if you spent entire time for criticism or raised banner in this organization for discussion. Let us draw conclusion through honest and constructive discussion, when we have different opinions,” told Abe. Then, he proposed concrete discussion over constitutional amendment in Commissions on the Constitution in both Houses.

Newspapers interpreted his words as his eagerness to conclude the argument over which provisions should be changed in this Diet session. Secretary General of Liberal Democratic Party, Toshihiro Nikai, announced earlier this month that constitutional amendment would be one of the greatest issues this year. One of the LDP lawmakers hoped to determine the provisions for amendment before the Constitution Day of May 3^rd. If Democratic Party refuses discussion on it, Abe might go ahead only with supporters of amendment, LDP, Komeito and Restoration Party.

Even though Trump was moving forward to new relationship with U.S. allies, Abe insisted that Japan-U.S. relationship would not change as the fundamental foreign policy of Japan. “Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership will be the standard and basis for economic cooperation to build economic regime for 21^st century,” told Abe.

Rest of the speech had nothing new. He reiterated necessity of One Hundred Million Mobilization, reconstruction from disastrous earthquakes, local revitalization, tourism promotion or positive cycle for growth. Saying nothing about Emperor’s abdication, Abe tried to lead the discussion without intervention of opposite parties or radical conservatives. Power of the Diet looks like shrinking too much.