A Japanese scholar on Friday called on people to remain vigilant against de facto constitutional amendments, as the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moves to advance constitutional amendments and ease military and security restrictions.
Japan's Constitution, which took effect in 1947, is often referred to as the pacifist constitution because its Article 9 renounces war as a sovereign right and prohibits Japan from possessing "war potential."
However, according to local media reports, Takaichi is pursuing constitutional revision, seeking what would be the first-ever amendment to Japan's Constitution since it came into force.
Talking to China Media Group about the current political situation in Japan, Kenji Utsunomiya, former president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, warned that the "exclusively defense-oriented policy" under Article 9 is being undermined.
"Some have indeed voiced the opinion that Japan should go nuclear -- something not allowed under Article 9 of the Constitution. Yet those making such statements don't seem to face proper penalties. So, I believe the 'exclusively defense-oriented policy' under Article 9 is being gradually and substantively eroded and undermined. That's Japan's reality today," said Utsunomiya.
The scholar pointed out that recent moves by the Takaichi administration are all de facto constitutional amendments that could endanger peace.
"Regarding the government's lifting of a lethal weapons export ban, increasing the share of defense spending in GDP, and pushing for the establishment of a national intelligence committee, I believe it is necessary to conduct broader national discussions on these matters and to effectively organize opposition campaigns. However, even if we manage to block a formal constitutional amendment, it does not mean we are safe. Actually, a de facto constitutional amendment is already moving ahead. Therefore, we must remain even more vigilant about this," said Utsunomiya.
The Japanese government officially revised its guidelines to allow the export of lethal weapons on April 21.
Also in April, Japan's parliament approved the fiscal 2026 budget, with defense expenditures exceeding nine trillion yen (about 56.3 billion U.S. dollars) for the first time, a historic high.
Japan's House of Representatives on April 23 passed a bill to establish a national intelligence committee. The legislation is expected to be enacted after passing the House of Councillors, where approval is highly likely. Following its enactment, the Takaichi administration aims to launch the committee by summer, according to local media.
Japanese scholar warns of de facto constitutional amendments
