April 02, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Apr. 2, 2003 - The war in Iraq and ongoing problems with neighbouring North Korea have prompted many Japanese to want changes to their nation's constitution, according to a poll published in Yomiuri Shimbun. 53 per cent of respondents would like to see changes in the official document.

(CPOD) Apr. 2, 2003 - The war in Iraq and ongoing problems with neighbouring North Korea have prompted many Japanese to want changes to their nation's constitution, according to a poll published in Yomiuri Shimbun. 53 per cent of respondents would like to see changes in the official document.

The biggest controversy revolves around Article 9 of the constitution, which literally states "the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes." This article was written after Japan's defeat in World War II, during the American occupation.

Many Japanese say the constitution is outdated. 49 per cent of respondents say the issue of self-defence should be dealt with. Other topics, such as environmental legislation, protection of privacy, and social welfare were also mentioned.

Polling Data

Do you want to see Japan's constitution changed?

Yes	53%
No	45%

What topics of the current constitution should be dealt with?
(All topics mentioned)

Article 9 (renunciation of war)	49%
Environmental issues	31%
Protection of privacy	24%
Right to life, social welfare	21%

What should be done with Article 9 (renunciation of war)?

Article 9 is outdated and should be reviewed	42%
Interpretations of Article 9 are still enough	30%
Article 9 should be strictly observed	18%

Under the nation's interpretation of the constitution, Japan is unable to exercise its right to collective self-defence. What should be done?

This interpretation is enough to deal with current problems	35%
Constitution must be amended, to enable self-defence	33%

Source: Yomiuri Shimbun
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews to 1,846 Japanese adults, conducted on Mar. 22 and Mar. 23, 2003. No margin of error was provided.