Amendment timeline set by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during the Liberal Democratic Party’s annual convention in Tokyo on Sunday. Takaichi, who also serves as the LDP president, announced a one-year timeline for efforts to propose a constitutional amendment. We hope to hold a party convention next year in a state where we can say that there is a prospect of proposing a constitutional amendment, Takaichi told attendees. She also expressed her willingness to hold a referendum on the amendment.
Takaichi stressed the significance of her administration’s responsible and proactive fiscal policy in the same speech. Looking ahead to unified local elections in spring 2027 and the 2028 House of Councillors election, Takaichi said the party will create a strong party that will continue to win elections both at the national and local levels. The 93rd regular party convention adopted the 2026 policies for LDP political and campaign activities. These included a goal to submit a draft constitutional amendment to the Diet, Japan’s parliament.
Referring to the LDP’s landslide victory in the House of Representatives election in February, Takaichi called the win a great opportunity to build a foundation for winning all elections. The convention attracted notable guests including Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of coalition partner Japan Innovation Party. Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), also attended as a guest. Yoshimura sought a reduction in the number of seats in the House of Representatives. He also called for passage of a bill to realize the JIP-proposed deputy capital plan. Yoshimura urged moving forward with constitutional revision, saying now is precisely the time to act.
The February House of Representatives election gave the LDP a strong mandate. This political capital allows Takaichi to push forward with her constitutional agenda. The amendment would mark the first revision of Japan’s postwar constitution if successful. Past prime ministers have attempted constitutional reform without achieving the necessary parliamentary majorities. The LDP will need to secure two-thirds majorities in both houses of the Diet. A national referendum would then follow the parliamentary approval process. Public opinion on constitutional revision remains divided according to recent polls. The next party convention will reveal whether the LDP has made sufficient progress. Yoshimura’s presence at the convention underscores the coalition’s unity on this issue. Keidanren’s attendance signals business community support for political stability.
