Resurgent nationalism by Japan's youth, a feeling that military dependence on the United States cannot last forever and a sense that Tokyo should be more ready to participate unambiguously in peacekeeping are reasons for a renewed interest in constitutional change, analysts say.

A three-hour initial convening of the Lower House Constitutional Research Panel two weeks ago served as a prelude to the May 3 Constitution Day holiday.

Spirited debate, something that has been missing from commemoration of the holiday in the 47 years since the postwar Constitution was promulgated, flared particularly over controversial Article 9.