As Japan marks 80 years of Constitution, debate continues on emergency clause

The original signed copy of the Constitution, promulgated on Nov. 3, 1946 | JIJI

Jiji

Nov 3, 2026

While Japan on Tuesday marked 80 years since the promulgation of its Constitution, debate continues over whether the supreme law should be revised to include an emergency clause that temporarily expands the government’s authority during large-scale disasters.

Some experts argue that such a clause is necessary for ensuring swift initial responses to disasters — such as a possible powerful earthquake striking directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area, or in the Nankai Trough in the Pacific off central and western Japan. Others are concerned, saying that it could lead to a concentration of authority.

Yoshiaki Kawata, a Kansai University professor specializing in major natural disasters, said that “existing laws alone may not be sufficient in certain cases” because large-scale disasters would require responses involving multiple agencies and ministries. 

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