Let Ishin no Kai Lead Long- Overdue Constitutional Reform

Nippon Ishin no Kai (Ishin) opened its regular party convention on March 21. There, the junior coalition partner of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) adopted an action agenda, promising to "take on the role of accelerator with unwavering resolve." Its goal is "to speed the pace of the reforms promoted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Ishin no Kai."

In the recent Lower House election, Ishin secured only 36 seats, fewer than the 38 seats it won in the 2024 election. However, as a ruling coalition partner, the party still has a significant role to play.

Ishin's Action Plan

The March 21 action plan identifies key policy areas of focus. Those include constitutional reform, economic and fiscal policy, intelligence capabilities, and the imperial family system. 

It reads in part: "We will engage in direct discussions with the ruling LDP on important issues that form the foundation of national governance. And we will present concrete proposals to drive forward solutions to challenges that have long been postponed until now."

Ishin no Kai is expected to play a leading role in realizing the policies of the coalition government. Specifically, it can help achieve the next concrete steps toward constitutional reform and the adoption of a stable plan for imperial succession based on male lineage.

Focus on Article 9

Regarding the Constitution, Ishin's action plan emphasizes that "we will work closely with the LDP [and other parties] to focus on the items to be amended and to establish a concrete schedule for a national referendum." The plan clearly spells out the road to constitutional reform, beginning with a parliamentary bill to pave the way for a national referendum.

Regarding Article 9 of the Constitution, Ishin no Kai proposes deleting Article 9, Paragraph 2. That section currently stipulates that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained." Instead, Ishin's proposal explicitly states that Japan enjoys the right of self-defense, which requires the existence of armed forces to defend the nation. It would also fully recognize the right of collective self-defense. 

Previously drafted LDP reform plans were similar to those of Ishin no Kai. Recently, the LDP has also advocated "explicitly mentioning the Self-Defense Forces." There is merit to dispelling once and for all misconceptions, such as that the SDF is unconstitutional. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of the amendment should be to delete Article 9, Paragraph 2, and existing provisions concerning the military. 

We would like to see Ishin and the LDP engage in an in-depth public debate about amending Article 9.

Powers to Survive an Emergency

There are also growing concerns about possible large-scale disasters or other national emergencies on the Japanese archipelago. Forecasters warn of the potential for a Nankai Trough mega-earthquake or a major tremor below the Tokyo metropolitan area. 

These highlight the urgency of adding an emergency powers clause to the Constitution to extend the terms of Diet members in a major national disaster.

Some LDP members appear to believe that these concerns can be addressed through an emergency session of the Upper House. They would employ a related provision stipulated in Article 54 of the Constitution.  Because the LDP lacks a unified position, Ishin needs to take the lead in this debate.

Protecting the Nation

Ishin has long advocated policies to strengthen national intelligence capabilities. It also wants to make it a crime to defile the Japanese national emblem and to punish acts that insult or intentionally damage the Japanese flag.

Although this is clearly stated as a goal in the LDP-Ishin coalition agreement, some LDP members continue to express reluctance. On all of these, Ishin can demonstrate the value of its presence by pushing to implement these policies.

RELATED:

• Inside the LDP-Ishin no Kai Coalition Agreement
• Takaichi's Sweeping Mandate Also Comes With Risks
• LDP's Hiroshi Yamada on the Country's New Course — and Tibet

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun