Diet enacts revision to Japan's law on referendums for constitutional reform
The change to the law coincides with calls for an emergency clause that would give broad authority to the Cabinet and limit citizens' rights under circumstances such as a pandemic.
Pandemic wreaks havoc on Japan's homeless as government touts 'self-reliance'
As the coronavirus scourge continues to wreak havoc on the economy, the burden is unduly falling on so-called nonregular workers whose employment is unstable.
Understanding Japan’s ‘positive list’ approach to security
The new legislation eliminated the need for special measures laws for the types of operations the SDF had engaged in since 2001 and added new provisions for limited collective self-defense.
Referendum bill spotlights Japan's powerful constitutional committee
Revision is likely to be a major campaign issue in the next Lower House poll, but any changes presented to the public would have to be agreed to by the Commission on the Constitution.
Calls for constitutional reform heat up in Japan amid pandemic
Within the government and the LDP, there seems to be frustration over the limited effects of the measures that have been taken so far to tackle the virus.
Bill to amend law on vote to revise Japan's Constitution likely to pass Diet
The pro-revision ruling Liberal Democratic Party agreed Thursday to a request from the opposition to adjust the draft law, clearing its path.
Amending Japan's Constitution takes a back seat for the ruling LDP under Suga
At an annual party convention in March, the prime minister did not discuss the matter in detail.
Over half say Japan needs to amend Constitution for virus response
The survey showed 57% of people polled see the need to add a clause that would give the Cabinet more power and limit private rights, eclipsing the 42% who said it is not necessary.
Parties divided over adding emergency clause to Japan's Constitution
Lawmakers called for debates to be held on amending the top law to include such a clause, at the first meeting of the Lower House Commission on the Constitution in this Diet session.
The legal conundrum surrounding same-sex marriage in Japan
Are such relationships better guaranteed by judicial protection or constitutional reform?
Japan court rules failure to recognize same-sex marriage unconstitutional
The Sapporo ruling set a new precedent in the only Group of Seven nation not to fully recognize same-sex partnerships, though it rejected demands for damages to be paid.
Will Japan’s first same-sex marriage ruling be a beacon of hope?
With the country lagging behind the rest of the developed world on LGBTQ rights, hopes are high for a set of upcoming court rulings.
