A prominent Japanese constitutional scholar has delivered a scathing critique of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push to revise the Constitution and strengthen defense policies, warning that her administration is steering Japan toward a dangerous path that undermines the pacifist principles enshrined in the post-war charter.
Masahiko Shimizu, a professor of constitutional law at Nippon Sport Science University, said that the current government's actions represent a fundamental threat to regional stability.
"A person who lacks even the most basic understanding of the Constitution is not qualified to discuss constitutional revision in the first place. I believe that the destabilizing factor in the current Asian situation is the very existence of Takaichi. Particularly because she made the erroneous remarks about 'a Taiwan contingency,' which have caused Japan-China relations to deteriorate further. In this sense, for the sake of achieving peace, I believe she should step down as soon as possible. The Japanese Constitution was drafted on the basis of reflection upon past wars of aggression, with the purpose of never waging war again. Therefore, I believe only someone who upholds this philosophy should serve as prime minister," he said.
Shimizu said that the Japanese government's revisions to the three national security documents, namely the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the Defense Buildup Program, and substantial increases in defense spending are effectively pushing Japan toward becoming a country capable of waging war abroad, a development that must be stopped.
"The real purpose of the current ruling coalition is still attempting to revise Article 9 of the Constitution, hoping to formally possess a military under the constitution. This is absolutely impermissible. Beyond constitutional revision, the Japanese government is also preparing to revise the three national security documents within this year. This is a substantive constitutional revision, meaning that even without amending the constitution, Japan can in fact become a country capable of conducting war. The three security documents precisely embody this point. What can be foreseen at present is that the Japanese government will further enhance its so-called counterstrike capabilities. I believe this trend must be stopped," the scholar said.
Japanese scholar warns Takaichi's policies threaten pacifist constitution
