LDP panel sets out main constitutional revisions

The Liberal Democratic Party Constitution Research Council on June 4 received from its project team a report proposing specific amendments to the Constitution, including a change to make Japan a war fighting country.

The report calls for Japan to possess armed forces to exercise the right of collective self-defense. It also calls for a revised constitution to make clear Japan's national character and patriotism.

Regarding basic human rights currently guaranteed by the Constitution, the report warns against too much egoism, and says that Article 9 of the Constitution may lead to "one-country pacifism."

The panel recommends that the Constitution refer to what should be done in emergencies and international contribution, and cites cooperation in the event of emergency as a new obligation of the people.

The draft proposes that the constitutional separation of state and religion be reviewed, and that necessary requirements for the constitutional revision be lowered so that a national referendum would not be needed.

The LDP Constitution Research Council will start compiling an outline for a draft of a revised Constitution in the autumn. (end)