The Liberal Democratic Party recently came under public criticism for "going to extremes" in its bid to update the Constitution, Japan's first democratic charter that took effect in 1947. The criticism has prompted the party to alter its plans for constitutional reform. The party appears to have recognized the need to exercise due caution in its attempt to draft a revision bill.
On Tuesday, the LDP launched the "Headquarters for the Promotion of the Establishment of a New Constitution," a task force headed by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. "The time has come to create a new Constitution that meets the needs of a new era," Mr. Koizumi said at the group's inaugural meeting.
The drafting committee for the task force is set to start full-fledged debate in due course. Subcommittees are to discuss specific subjects, such as the Imperial system, national security measures, and the rights and duties of the Japanese people.