Abe calls for debates on Constitution

The Diet held a ceremony Wednesday commemorating the 60th anniversary of the enforcement of the Constitution, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signaling his willingness to revise it and House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono being cautious about it. "Toward creation of a new nation, I strongly hope that debates on the Constitution to shape the nation will be promoted actively among the people," Abe said.

Abe expressed appreciation of the role the Constitution has played in Japan's rehabilitation since World War II and subsequent economic growth. But he pointed out that a new era has come, and it is necessary to contribute to the international community and reform fundamental frameworks such as education, the economy and the administrative system, with the Constitution paramount.