Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday sought a one-year timeline for efforts to propose a constitutional amendment. In a speech at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention in Tokyo, Takaichi, also the party's president, emphasized the importance of preparing for a possible constitutional amendment, stating, "We hope to hold a party convention next year in a state where we can say that there is a prospect of proposing a constitutional amendment."

According to Philippines News Agency, specific amendment proposals discussed include explicitly referring to the Self-Defense Forces in Article 9 and introducing an article on national emergencies. Takaichi expressed her willingness to hold a referendum on the amendment, urging for public involvement by saying, "Let us boldly ask the people whether we should turn a new page in the book of history."

In her speech, Takaichi also highlighted the significance of her administration's "responsible and proactive fiscal policy." She outlined plans for the upcoming unified local elections in spring 2027 and the 2028 election of the House of Councillors, stating, "We will create a strong party that will continue to win elections both at the national and local levels."

Takaichi referred to the party's landslide victory in the House of Representatives election in February as a "great opportunity to build a foundation for winning all elections." Addressing measures to secure the number of Imperial Family members, she mentioned a proposal to grant Imperial Family status through adoption to male members in the paternal line of former Imperial Family branches. LDP policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi noted that the party aims to revise the Imperial House Law during the current parliamentary session, which runs through July.

At the 93rd regular party convention, the LDP adopted the 2026 policies for its political and campaign activities, including the goal to submit a draft constitutional amendment to parliament. Attending the convention as guests were Hirofumi Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, the LDP's coalition partner, and Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Japan's largest employer group.

Yoshimura advocated for a reduction in the number of seats in the House of Representatives and the passage of a bill to realize the JIP-proposed "deputy capital" plan. He stressed the urgency of constitutional revision, stating, "Now is precisely the time to act."