Key Facts
• July 20: Sanseitō gained 14 seats in the Upper House election, totaling 15.
• July 25: Sanseitō secured its first committee chair post, the Disciplinary Committee.
• Sanseitō’s slogan, “Japan First,” drew both support and criticism for being discriminatory.
• May: Sanseitō released a draft for a “New Constitution of Japan.”
• Article 5 proposes citizenship based on Japanese parentage and cultural values.
• Article 4 omits “popular sovereignty,” sparking debate on social media.
• Party leader Shūhei Kamiya suggested “oaths” to measure loyalty to Japan.
• Kamiya clarified the party’s stance as “creating” a new constitution, not amending it.
• Legal expert Sōta Kimura stated replacing the entire constitution violates Article 96.
• Kimura argued the proposal is not serious, as Kamiya should know legal constraints.
Summary
Sanseitō’s recent electoral success has brought attention to its controversial constitutional proposal. The party’s draft, emphasizing “Japan First” values, includes contentious articles on citizenship and sovereignty. Critics argue these provisions are discriminatory and legally unfeasible. Legal scholar Sōta Kimura highlighted that Japan’s constitutional amendment process under Article 96 does not allow for a complete replacement. He questioned the sincerity of the proposal, suggesting it may be more symbolic than actionable. Despite the legal and social backlash, Sanseitō continues to advocate for its vision of a “new constitution.”
