EDITORIAL | What Noda, the New Opposition Top Calls His Conservative Policies Could Imperil Japan

On September 23, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) held an extraordinary convention. At it, Japan's main opposition party appointed former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as its new leader. Noda defeated party founder and former leader Yukio Edano and two other candidates.

With the next general election approaching, Noda said, "We are serious about coming to power."

Noda also said that he would use the election to extend his base of support to "moderate conservatives." This suggests he may well consider himself a conservative politician. However, the policies he has outlined are hardly realistic.

For example, Noda gave a speech offering his view of what the CDP would do if it took power. "We will create diplomatic and security policies centered on the Japan-United States alliance that maintain the US commitment to the Asia-Pacific region," he said.

However, the policies he outlined during the leadership election instead contained elements that could destabilize the alliance.

Rejects Right of Collective Self-Defense

For one thing, he expressed the view that the limited exercise of the right of collective self-defense is unconstitutional. This is the policy, however, which has enhanced Japan's deterrence capabilities. If such a stance is adopted, Japan-US diplomacy and defense cooperation would be thrown into disarray. His interpretation would clearly undermine Japan's deterrence and response capabilities.

Regarding the relocation of US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Noda first made a promise to the Henoko area. He said that "the basic paradigm will not change." 

However, he also said he would hold discussions with the US based on the will of the people of Okinawa. By that does he mean that the relocation work might be halted? 

No Constitutional Reform

Noda has adopted a negative stance regarding constitutional reform. In one position, he stated that he favors debating constitutional issues. However, he has also said, "Is debating the Constitution really the most important point of contention at this time?" 

Noda has also been negative toward a constitutional amendment to deal with disaster situations. He has argued, "The Upper House (House of Councillors) can convene in an emergency session." However, that would not protect the people from emergencies or large-scale disasters.

Does Noda think it would be ill-advised to tackle constitutional reform head-on because of the internal situation within his party? The CDP has proponents of revision and factions that want to leave the Constitution untouched.

Ishin no Kai and DPP Favor Constitutional Reform

Other opposition parties, the Japan Restoration Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) and the Democratic Party for the People (Kokumin Minshuto) favor amending the Constitution. Noda says he plans to cooperate with both. 

However, unlike CDP, they both agree that lawmakers' terms should be extended in an emergency. The Nippon Ishin no Kai also has called for the Self-Defense Forces to be clearly recognized in the Constitution. Given Noda's current stance, cooperation with those two opposition parties could prove difficult. 

Stand on the Japan Communist Party

Nor has Noda ever ruled out electoral cooperation with the Japan Communist Party (JCP). He should not forget the electoral debacles that followed when the CDP joined the JCP to form a united front that came to be labeled the "Constitutional Communist Party."

Imperial Succession Blocked

During the last Diet session, Noda also acted as an obstacle on another issue. He prevented Diet members from reaching an agreement ensuring the number of imperial family members. 

He seemed to insist on making the husbands of female imperial family members and the children of non-royal males into royals. But this is unprecedented in the history of the imperial family, which respects precedent.

This dangerous argument could lead to a female emperor, which would mean the end of the imperial line as we know it. Hopefully, Noda and the CDP will take a position to protect the patrilineal imperial succession that has continued up to the current emperor.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun