Wednesday, June 14, 2017, 11:00 - 12:45

（＊Time has been changed. ）Constitutional Revision and the State of Current Politics in Japan

Langugae: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation

Japanese politics is at a crossroads. On the Constitution Day this year Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposed to revise the war-renouncing Article 9 to recognize Japan's Self-Defense Forces by 2020. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to submit its own upgraded draft revision by year's end. The ruling coalition wants to move now while they still dominate with a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the Diet.

The chances for constitutional revision is now higher than ever. Abe, who has become the third-longest serving postwar prime minister, has become so powerful that the opposition parties struggle to effectively challenge him and within his own party there are few who dare to speak against him.

One clear exception is the veteran LDP Lower House lawmaker Shigeru Ishiba, who is at times a vocal critic of the prime minister. The former Defense Minister and a long-time security expert is considered a leading candidate to succeed Abe as the ruling party leader.

Ishiba has been a strong proponent for constitutional revision, but he questions the way Abe seeks to amend Japan's supreme charter. Regarding the Kake Gakuen scandal, Ishiba has stated that the allegations of Kihei Maekawa, former education vice minister, is worth listening to. This stance is sharply different than that of the current party executives.

FCCJ welcomes Shigeru Ishiba to share his thoughts on constitutional revision, the state of current politics in Japan, as well as the possibility of his running against Abe in the next year's party presidential election.

Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website(still & TV cameras inclusive). The charge for members/members' guest is 1,750/2,700 yen; non-members eligible to attend may pay in cash by e mail reservation (front@fccj.or.jp). (Menu:grilled chicken with mozzarella and bravas sauce.) Reservations canceled less than one hour in advance for working press members, and 24 hours for all others, will be charged in full. Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation. For meal service, please enter the room by 12:25.

Professional Activities Committee

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