The Liberal Democratic Party clearly states the Self-Defense Forces, the Meiji Restoration calls the National Defense Forces, House of Representatives Constitutional Committee debates Article 9 intensively

On the 12th, the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee held an intensive discussion on Article 9 of the Constitution, which stipulates the renunciation of war and the non-retention of military forces. The Liberal Democratic Party called for the need to amend the constitution to clearly state national defense provisions and the Self-Defense Forces. The Japan Restoration Association advocates the deletion of Clause 2 (non-retention of military forces) and the creation of a ``National Defense Force.'' Differences in opinion within the ruling party have once again come to light.

``Clarify position'' and ``Unnecessary'' Pros and cons of specifying the Self-Defense Forces in Article 9 - Interview with people with security experience - 80 years since the promulgation of the Constitution

Yoshitaka Shindo of the Liberal Democratic Party pointed out, ``The current constitution lacks national defense provisions regarding who will protect the country and its people, by what means, and how to control their capabilities.'' In conjunction with the Self-Defense Forces, he advocated that ``we must optimize our national defense structure and strengthen our deterrent capabilities.''

Keishi Abe of Ishin stated, ``We should fully allow the exercise of the right of collective self-defense by removing Clause 2, and create a national defense force,'' from the perspective of strengthening alliances with other countries.

Yuichiro Tamaki, representative of the Democratic Party of Japan, criticized the ruling party saying that unless the ruling party agrees on its views on Article 9, ``there is no point in discussing it.'' Koichi Kasai (Komeito), a moderate member of the House of Representatives, expressed his understanding of the argument for clearly stating the Self-Defense Forces, but proposed that it be ``under democratic control by the Diet and the Cabinet.''