Constitution Day in Japan, Why the Fuss?

I'm curious whether Japan is the only country to remember the day the Constitution was promulgated - May 3rd. The bother of checking it up aside, how about an episode to help non-Japanese to check why the fuss? Well, it is good to remember the “immortal document” each and every year, but many might wonder why the Japanese are so touchy about their Constitution. Here's why.

In a nutshell, Japan's Constitution has always been a pivotal fort for the left wingers to hold down at all costs. May 3 has habitually been a national festivity for them to rally and protest against any move to make amendment however minimal. Following the last landslide victory of the ruling parties in the House of Representatives, a movement is budding within the parties in power toward amendment inspired by the upcoming elections of the House of Councillors this summer.

In other words, the constitutional amendment issue is due to come forward this time around, and May 3 this year weighs heavier.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Shinzo Abe, prime minister, views a national referendum in sight to effect constitutional amendment. The party proclaims the people should by themselves update the Constitution suitable to today's changing environment.

The Komeito insists on maintaining the three basic principles of the current constitution, namely popular sovereignty, basic human rights and pacifism and allowing for "adding changes" where necessary.

The new-born opposition party People's Progressive Party stands up against the regime under Shinzo Abe and resorts to every means to resist its design to revise the constitution.

The Osaka Restoration Association has its own proposal for constitutional amendment, professing that the people should discuss issues they find necessary to discuss toward constitutional amendment.

The Japan Communist Party has nothing substantial to appeal but to object every step of the Abe administration and its anti-constitutional move.

That noted, I find the time is ripe for productive discussion toward revising the Constitution worthy for a genuine sovereign nation which Japan falls short of. This is Nathan Shiga - Good Day.