It is an important constitutional amendment that seeks to stipulate the existence of the Self-Defense Forces, which play a key role in Japan's security. The Liberal Democratic Party should compile a straightforward draft text at an early date and make every possible effort to obtain public understanding.
The LDP's Headquarters for the Promotion of Revision to the Constitution has agreed to push ahead with the direction of retaining Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 9 while creating in the article a new clause that will provide the legal basis for the SDF.
The retention of the SDF as "an organization with the power to take necessary self-defense measures" for purposes such as ensuring people's safety will be specified in the LDP's draft revision.
It will also state the prime minister's right of command over the SDF as well as "civilian control," which will specify necessities such as Diet approval of SDF activities.
It is necessary to resolve the situation in which the SDF could be viewed by some as unconstitutional. It is commendable that the LDP has held a succession of discussions toward drawing up draft revisions to the Constitution.
Initially, the LDP leadership had defined the SDF as "an organization with the minimum necessary level of power" based on the government's interpretation. However, it revised the wording due to opposition within the party, with some members saying it is hard to comprehend.
There is no need for the text of the Constitution to be bound by the government's conventional interpretation. But if Paragraph 2, which bans the maintenance of war potential, is kept intact, it is feared that years of fruitless discussions on whether the SDF is regarded as "war potential" cannot be brought to an end.
Discussions likely will continue over whether "self-defense measures," proposed by the LDP leadership, would mean the full exercise of the nation's right of collective self-defense.
LDP must unify proposal
Former LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba pushed for a proposal to delete Paragraph 2 and spell out the maintenance of "ground, maritime and air Self-Defense Forces." This is intended to clarify the SDF's position as "military forces."
Such a revision would leave no question over consistency with "war potential," thus eliminating ambiguity.
On the other hand, this means the abandonment of the current interpretation, and could be seen as a sweeping change in the nation's defense policy. It would not be easy to win public understanding.
Task force head Hiroyuki Hosoda, given a free hand by the party in deciding on the Article 9 matter, is expected to present proposals, including Ishiba's, during discussions with other parties.
If more than one draft revision to Article 9 is put forth, with different intentions and impacts, it would create confusion and hinder the formation of a consensus. It is essential for the LDP to unify its proposal.
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has become embattled over the issue of alterations to internal documents relating to school operator Moritomo Gakuen.
Komeito, the LDP's ruling coalition partner, and Nippon Ishin no Kai, which has been positive about amending the Constitution, have apparently become reluctant, showing an attitude that this is not the time for a constitutional amendment debate.
Constitutional matters must be discussed separately from political situations. Parties should coordinate their views on Article 9 and deepen constructive discussions at the commissions on the Constitution in both chambers of the Diet.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 24, 2018)
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