Masahiko Shimizu said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's drive to revise the Constitution and expand defense policy is pushing Japan away from its postwar pacifist order.
Article 9 is at the center of his warning: Shimizu said planned revisions to three security documents and bigger defense budgets could let Japan wage war abroad without formally amending the charter.
The three documents he cited were the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Buildup Program, which he said already amount to a substantive constitutional revision.
Shimizu also blamed Takaichi's remarks on a possible Taiwan contingency for worsening Japan-China ties, arguing her government has become a destabilizing factor in Asia and calling for her resignation.
Is Prime Minister Takaichi's defense-first policy a necessary shield for Japan, or is it pushing the region closer to war?
As Japan rearms without amending its constitution, is its pacifist identity already a thing of the past?
Can Japan truly remain neutral in a Taiwan conflict despite its pacifist constitution and growing security ties?
Divided Over Article 9: Japan’s 2026 Struggle to Redefine Pacifism and Security Policy
Overview
In 2026, Japan faces a heated national debate over its pacifist constitution, especially Article 9, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration responds to a shifting global security landscape. After taking office in October, Takaichi lifted arms export restrictions, deployed long-range missiles, and strengthened defense ties with allies, arguing these steps are necessary due to mounting global conflicts. Her push to consider constitutional changes has sparked deep divisions in Japanese society, with strong public protests and warnings from scholars about the risks of abandoning pacifism. This moment marks a critical crossroads for Japan’s identity and security policy.