Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her commitment to constitutional reform in a video message sent to a rally in Tokyo on May 3 [1].

The move signals a push to modernize Japan's fundamental law, which has remained largely unchanged for 79 years [2]. By advocating for regular updates, Takaichi is positioning the administration to address contemporary security and societal challenges that the original document did not anticipate.

The rally took place in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo [3]. In her address, Takaichi said that the constitution serves as the foundation of the nation and must evolve to maintain its value. "The constitution is the foundation and the core of the country, and precisely for that reason, in order to prevent its value from eroding, it should originally be updated periodically to meet the demands of the times," Takaichi said [4].

While expressing a strong desire for change, Takaichi noted that the process requires more than just government action. She said that constitutional reform is not something that can be achieved by political decision alone [5]. This suggests a recognition that public consensus, and a national referendum, are necessary hurdles for any legal overhaul.

Despite the need for broad agreement, Takaichi urged for a more decisive approach to the legislative process. "What should be done is a discussion for the purpose of making a decision," Takaichi said [6].

The Prime Minister's message was delivered via video while she was traveling abroad [7]. The timing of the message coincided with Constitution Memorial Day, a date often used by political factions to debate the legitimacy and necessity of the current legal framework [1].

“"The constitution is the foundation and the core of the country... it should originally be updated periodically."”

Takaichi's emphasis on 'periodic updates' represents a shift from viewing the constitution as a static, sacred document to treating it as a living legal framework. By framing reform as a necessity to prevent 'erosion' of value, the administration is attempting to normalize the idea of amendment to a public that has historically been divided over the pacifist nature of the post-war constitution.