Takaichi Discusses Constitutional Reform: Emergency Clause and Abolition of Upper House Proportional Representation Urgent
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, on Constitution Memorial Day, stated in an interview with Sankei Shimbun that the early establishment of an 'emergency clause' is necessary for responding to major disasters and terrorist attacks. She emphasized prioritizing constitutional amendment issues that are easier to gain support from opposition parties and the public, such as the abolition of the Upper House proportional representation system, which is urgent due to the upcoming 2028 elections, to accelerate related discussions.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 19:24
- 🔍 Collected: May 3, 2026 at 19:31 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 3, 2026 at 20:34 (1h 2m after Collected)
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(Central News Agency Reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, 3rd) Today marks Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. On the 79th anniversary of the Constitution's promulgation, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in an interview with Sankei Shimbun, stated that it is necessary to promptly establish an 'emergency clause' to respond to sudden situations such as large-scale disasters and terrorist attacks. She emphasized that she will prioritize constitutional amendment issues that are easier to gain support from opposition parties and the public, thereby accelerating the relevant discussion process.
Takaichi pointed out that the urgent need to establish an emergency clause is to enable the state to quickly take countermeasures against large-scale disasters or terrorist attacks that could occur at any time.
She also specifically mentioned that, alongside the emergency clause, another priority issue is the abolition of the proportional representation bloc system for Upper House elections, emphasizing its 'realistic urgency' due to the upcoming Upper House elections in 2028.
Recalling the four major constitutional amendment items proposed by the Liberal Democratic Party during Shinzo Abe's administration—namely, explicitly defining the legitimate existence of the Self-Defense Forces, creating an emergency clause, abolishing the Upper House proportional representation system, and enhancing education—Takaichi stated, "The four items are of equal importance; all are crucial." However, if progressing step-by-step from a realistic perspective, "the emergency clause and the abolition of proportional representation blocs are the most pressing."
Regarding the amendment of Article 9 of the Constitution, the LDP advocates maintaining the current framework of Article 2, which states 'no war potential,' and explicitly stating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces through an 'addition to the constitution' (new clause) proposal. However, the Japan Innovation Party advocates deleting Article 2 and establishing a national defense force, indicating internal disagreements within the ruling camp. Takaichi stated that since both parties established a drafting committee in November last year, the progress of subsequent discussions should be closely monitored.
She also pointed out that advancing constitutional reform requires the support of over two-thirds of both houses of the National Diet and approval in a national referendum. Therefore, in addition to inter-party negotiations, gaining public understanding is equally important. She emphasized, "I do not believe all issues must progress at the same pace."
Regarding the specific timeline, Takaichi only stated, "As president of the LDP, I strongly hope for early realization," without specifying a concrete timeframe. However, it is widely believed that to be ready for the Upper House elections, constitutional amendment might need to be initiated in next year's ordinary Diet session.
Despite the ruling coalition not holding a majority in the Upper House currently, Takaichi emphasized that the total number of parties and factions supporting constitutional reform already exceeds two-thirds, indicating the possibility of promoting constitutional reform under the existing seat structure. She also stated that she would mobilize party resources to strive for the early realization of the constitutional reform goal. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150503
(Central News Agency Reporter Dai Yazhen, Tokyo, 3rd) Today marks Japan's Constitution Memorial Day. On the 79th anniversary of the Constitution's promulgation, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in an interview with Sankei Shimbun, stated that it is necessary to promptly establish an 'emergency clause' to respond to sudden situations such as large-scale disasters and terrorist attacks. She emphasized that she will prioritize constitutional amendment issues that are easier to gain support from opposition parties and the public, thereby accelerating the relevant discussion process.
Takaichi pointed out that the urgent need to establish an emergency clause is to enable the state to quickly take countermeasures against large-scale disasters or terrorist attacks that could occur at any time.
She also specifically mentioned that, alongside the emergency clause, another priority issue is the abolition of the proportional representation bloc system for Upper House elections, emphasizing its 'realistic urgency' due to the upcoming Upper House elections in 2028.
Recalling the four major constitutional amendment items proposed by the Liberal Democratic Party during Shinzo Abe's administration—namely, explicitly defining the legitimate existence of the Self-Defense Forces, creating an emergency clause, abolishing the Upper House proportional representation system, and enhancing education—Takaichi stated, "The four items are of equal importance; all are crucial." However, if progressing step-by-step from a realistic perspective, "the emergency clause and the abolition of proportional representation blocs are the most pressing."
Regarding the amendment of Article 9 of the Constitution, the LDP advocates maintaining the current framework of Article 2, which states 'no war potential,' and explicitly stating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces through an 'addition to the constitution' (new clause) proposal. However, the Japan Innovation Party advocates deleting Article 2 and establishing a national defense force, indicating internal disagreements within the ruling camp. Takaichi stated that since both parties established a drafting committee in November last year, the progress of subsequent discussions should be closely monitored.
She also pointed out that advancing constitutional reform requires the support of over two-thirds of both houses of the National Diet and approval in a national referendum. Therefore, in addition to inter-party negotiations, gaining public understanding is equally important. She emphasized, "I do not believe all issues must progress at the same pace."
Regarding the specific timeline, Takaichi only stated, "As president of the LDP, I strongly hope for early realization," without specifying a concrete timeframe. However, it is widely believed that to be ready for the Upper House elections, constitutional amendment might need to be initiated in next year's ordinary Diet session.
Despite the ruling coalition not holding a majority in the Upper House currently, Takaichi emphasized that the total number of parties and factions supporting constitutional reform already exceeds two-thirds, indicating the possibility of promoting constitutional reform under the existing seat structure. She also stated that she would mobilize party resources to strive for the early realization of the constitutional reform goal. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150503