Leaders of a political organization linked to Nippon Kaigi gathered in Tokyo on Nov. 24, where a sense of urgency was palpable regarding the push for constitutional revision. The group, known as Utsukushii Nippon no Kenpou wo Tsukuru Kokumin no Kai, aims to initiate the process of amending Japan's pacifist Constitution, a long-standing goal championed by Nippon Kaigi.
However, discussions at the meeting highlighted the challenges faced by proponents of constitutional revision, particularly in the aftermath of the October 27 Lower House election where several lawmakers supporting revision were defeated. Akira Momochi, a senior official of the organization and a Constitutional Law expert from Nihon University, acknowledged the tough circumstances, referring to it as "the winter of our time" for those advocating swift constitutional amendments in the Diet.
The strength of political parties leaning towards constitutional revision, such as the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the opposition Nippon Ishin, was notably diminished in the election. With the number of pro-revision members in the Lower House falling below the required two-thirds majority for proposing constitutional amendments, the path towards revision seemed increasingly challenging. In response, the organization issued a statement urging a revival of discussions on constitutional matters within the Diet's Commissions on the Constitution.
Despite the setbacks, leaders at the meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration with parties aligned on constitutional amendment goals. Itsunori Onodera, the chair of LDP's Policy Research Council, expressed a commitment to working together with like-minded parties to make progress on the revision agenda. The participation of various members from different political parties, including Komeito, Nippon Ishin, and the Democratic Party for the People, signaled a united front in the shared pursuit of constitutional reform.