Amending the Constitution is discussed more openly than ever by political parties as they brace for the Oct. 22 general election. Attention will focus on whether pro-amendment forces will gain a two-thirds majority in the Lower House — which has been held by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition. That, however, is only a threshold for initiating an amendment for approval in a national referendum. Political discussions on specifics of what to change in the Constitution and how have not matured enough. Voters — who hold the final say in an amendment — should scrutinize the specific positions of each party on the issue as they weigh their judgment.
