February 21, 2026

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, in her policy speech delivered at the plenary session of both Houses, expressed her expectation for an early initiation of steps to implement constitutional amendments. Showing a high-handed stance based on a supermajority held by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in the House of Representatives, she called for the passage of the fiscal 2026 budget by the end of the current fiscal year.

Later on the same day at a press conference in the Diet building, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Tamura Tomoko criticized PM Takaichi’s expectation to quickly push for the proposal of a constitutional amendment draft. Tamura pointed out that the government is heading toward military expansion and an increase in military spending. She said that amid this situation, PM Takaichi’s remark that pushes constitutional revision is tantamount to promoting the policy to turn Japan into a war-fighting nation, and thus is very dangerous.

Tamura said, “In the first place, in the latest general election, constitutional reform was not an issue. It is unacceptable for the LDP to outrageously use its two-thirds supermajority to initiate constitutional amendments.” She expressed her determination to block any attempt to propose constitutional revision.

Regarding economic measures, Tamura said, “PM Takaichi’s economic policy puts little focus on how to improve people’s livelihoods despite her repeated declarations of intent to make Japan strong again.”

Tamura noted that in order to meet people’s demands expressed in the February 8 election to work to alleviate their hardships experienced in their daily lives, the government needs to take measures contributing to substantial wage hikes. However, she said, PM Takaichi in her policy speech mentioned nothing in this regard.

Stating that the government plans to cut social welfare services, Tamura said, “PM Takaichi, while advocating a ‘strong Japan’ and a ‘strong economy’, intends to implement policies that will further adversely affect people’s livelihoods, which is unacceptable. We will urge the government to hold thorough discussions on the budget bill in both chambers’ budget committee meetings.”