(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Few adults in Japan believe the controversial Article 9 should not be amended, according to a poll by Kyodo News. Only 26 per cent of respondents believe this specific section of the Japanese Constitution should be revised.

During the American occupation that followed Japan's surrender in 1945 after World War II, a clause was included in the Constitution that stated Japan's military would only play a defensive role, and prohibited the use of force as a means to settle international disputes.

In September 2006, Shinzo Abe became the new leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan's 90th prime minister. Abe vowed to "make Japan into a country full of vitality, opportunities and kindness."

Since taking office, Abe has said Japan should consider constitutional amendments in order to relax the limits on military action. In addition, Japan's foremost body of law currently allows only men to ascend the throne.

A constitutional amendment requires the support of two-thirds of the House of Representatives, two-thirds of the House of Councillors, and more than half of all voters in a nationwide referendum. 57 per cent of respondents support amending the Constitution, down four points in two years.

On Apr. 17, chief cabinet secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki commented on the survey's findings, saying, "I took the figure stating there was no need to change Article 9 as showing the public believes the so-called pacifist Constitution and the renunciation of war that have been pillars of Japan's diplomacy should not be changed."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose revising Article 9?

Do you support or oppose amending the Constitution?

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