Japanese Constitutional Revision Debate Continues

A survey reported by Yomiuri Shimbun indicates that 54% of respondents expect discussions on constitutional amendment to progress during the current administration's term. This figure represents a higher level of expectation for the Prime Minister's role in constitutional reform compared to recent predecessors. The report was broadcast via Shonan Beach FM. Fifty-four percent of respondents expect constitutional reform discussions to advance in the Diet during the current Prime Minister's term. A Nikkei survey indicates 47% of respondents believe discussions on constitutional reform should proceed without a set deadline. The Japanese Communist Party stated that including the Self-Defense Forces in Article 9 of the constitution would break the final restraint and lead Japan towards becoming a war-oriented nation.