Japan Institute for National Fundamentals

　
On September 18, the Japan Innovation Party, one of Japan’s main opposition parties, published a policy proposal titled “21st Century National Defense Vision and Constitutional Amendment.” Citing the growing threats from neighboring countries through the China-North Korea alliance, the Russia-North Korea alliance, and the China-Russia entente, as well as changes in Japan’s ally, the United States, and Japan’s domestic developments, the party calls for advancing Japan’s national defense to a new dimension.

Advanced JIP national defense vision

The national defense vision outlined in the proposal emphasizes three points: (1) the deletion of Paragraph 2 of the Constitution’s Article 9 that explicitly prohibits the maintenance of “war potential” and the enhancement of provisions related to national defense, (2) the revision of the Japan-U.S. security treaty to establish reciprocal defense obligations, and (3) the formation of a maritime coalition and a quadrilateral alliance among Japan, the U.S., Australia and the Philippines. The deletion of Paragraph 2 will enable Japan’s full exercise of the right of collective self-defense, allowing the use of “necessary defensive force” in response to existential threats faced by allied nations. The proposal argues that this would enhance the reciprocity of the Japan-U.S. alliance, transforming it into a stable alliance between the two nations, committed to fighting side by side. The proposal emphasizes that the establishment of the Japan-U.S.-Australia-Philippines alliance as a regional collective defense arrangement will further enhance Japan’s deterrence. This is a realistic proposal in light of today’s severe security environment.

Avoiding specific arguments amounts to abandoning responsibilities

At their press conferences to declare their candidacies, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership candidates looked less proactive than the JIP on the constitutional amendment. Among them, former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi made clear that the constitution should be amended as a natural step, identifying two top priorities: explicitly enshrining the Self-Defense Forces in the Constitution and establishing provisions for a state of emergency. On the other hand, former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi mentioned the need for some constitutional amendments without presenting specifics. Former LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi failed to mention any constitutional amendment.

Over the 70 years since its founding, the LDP has upheld the enactment of an independent constitution as a core party principle. However, it has never initiated a constitutional amendment, despite having had opportunities to do so. This stance is causing disappointment among conservatives who want to see the constitution amended.

As noted by the JIP proposal, Japan cannot avoid the fundamental reform of its defense system, centered on the constitution, in the face of the worst security environment since the end of World War II. Nevertheless, the attitude of many LDP leadership candidates of avoiding discussing specific constitutional amendments indicates that the ruling party is close to abandoning its responsibilities. The LDP leadership race not only effectively determines the next prime minister, but also signals Japan’s future course. Unless each candidate discusses constitutional amendments or how Japan’s security framework should be structured, the LDP will continue to lose supporters.

Kiyofumi Iwata is a member of the Planning Committee at the Japan Institute for National Fundamentals. Formerly, he served as Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.