Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question concerning revisions to the Constitution. Yesterday evening in an online discussion forum, the Prime Minister stated that from the next Diet session he would like to advance discussions in the Commissions on the Constitution of both Houses. The Prime Minister has also expressed his intention to undertake a complete revision of the Constitution during the session of the Diet and during his term of office. What kind of schedule is the Government therefore considering with regard to revision of the Constitution?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Since its inception, one of the consistent party principles of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been to seek to revise the Constitution. In 2012 under President Tanigaki of the LDP, a draft bill for revising the Constitution was drawn up. In the policy pamphlet compiled by the LDP for the upcoming election it is also noted that the party seeks to revise the Constitution with the consent of the people of Japan. However, as the Prime Minister himself has often noted, revising the Constitution requires different procedures to those of other laws, namely a two-thirds majority approval for revision by both houses of the Diet, followed ultimately by majority approval in a national referendum. To achieve revisions to the Constitution therefore requires the support of not just the ruling parties but other parties and factions, and above all the understanding of the people of Japan. I believe that what the Prime Minister stated in his comments was that thorough discussions in a calm environment should first be advanced by the Commissions on the Constitution in the Diet, after which, the ultimate decision will be made by the people of Japan.

(Abridged)