Takahashi Sanae discusses constitutional revision and reform of the Imperial Household Law

At the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) convention held on April 12, Takahashi Sanae, LDP President, stated that she would steadily advance her "controversial policies" previously proposed during the February general election campaign—policies that had sparked public debate. Following a landslide victory in the House of Representatives election, Takahashi's cabinet maintains high approval ratings, giving her momentum to pursue a "major transformation" symbolized by constitutional revision and addressing long-standing postwar issues in Japan. However, LDP support has already reached its peak and begun to decline. Whether the public’s high expectations for Takahashi can be translated into solid backing for the party itself is now under external scrutiny.

"Delivering on Promises"

The convention opened with a video clip of Takahashi presenting her policy platform during street speeches in the House of Representatives election campaign. Shortly after the election, she had urged party members at a joint session of Diet members to “memorize the manifesto thoroughly.” At this convention, she reiterated her emphasis on implementing these policies.

"It is crucial to fulfill each policy outlined in the LDP’s political manifesto presented during the House of Representatives election—the key commitments made to the Japanese people. The extent to which we deliver on these promises will directly affect public trust in the upcoming unified local elections next year and the subsequent upper house election two years later."

In her speech on the 12th, Takahashi cited the phrase “restoring autonomous and independent authority” from the party’s founding declaration 70 years ago, emphasizing that achieving the promises made during the House of Representatives election—such as a “strong economy,” “robust diplomacy and security”—is essential to revitalizing the party. She particularly stressed the need to realize constitutional revision, a core element of the LDP’s platform, as well as reforming the Imperial Household Law to ensure stable succession to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Some analysts argue that the LDP’s overwhelming victory in the House of Representatives election was largely due to Takahashi’s personal popularity. One reason for the party’s setbacks in the past two national elections—the 2026 lower house election and last summer’s upper house election—was the conservative base’s growing dissatisfaction with the relatively liberal-leaning administrations of Prime Ministers Kishida Fumio and Ishiba Shigeru. This renewed focus on returning to the party’s original principles, coming just after last year’s setback, reflects such a sense of crisis.

LDP Support Rates Decline

In reality, the failure of Takahashi’s personal popularity to translate into sustained party support is clearly evident in polling data. A joint survey conducted by Sankei News and Fuji TV on March 14 and 15 revealed that Takahashi’s cabinet approval rating stood at 67.1%—the first time in six surveys since the government took office in October last year that it dipped below 70%, though still remaining high.

Meanwhile, the LDP’s support rate dropped by 7.6 percentage points in the March survey, falling to 31.8%. Within just one month, the “election euphoria” had vanished. Although current support is somewhat higher than during Ishiba’s short-lived administration, it remains comparable to the low levels seen during the final phase of Kishida’s tenure, when the party faced strong public criticism over the unreported income of faction leaders.

The LDP’s 2028 party activity guidelines explicitly state: “Restoring trust and reviving party strength remain a long way off,” indicating that the party’s foundation is far from secure.

To revive party fortunes, the LDP must return to its roots as a conservative party—the so-called “Japan-style conservatism” outlined in its activity guidelines. A hallmark issue is revising the constitution and the Imperial Household Law, both long-delayed postwar challenges. Before the convention, sources close to Takahashi said: “The outside world often claims the LDP doesn’t know what it stands for. It is crucial whether this time we can clearly articulate the party’s positioning.”

Currently, the Diet faces a “gridlocked Diet” situation with differing majorities in the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Yet, following the recent general election, the LDP secured more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives. Regarding constitutional revision, Takahashi stated: “I hope to reach next year’s party convention in a position where we can firmly set the timetable for proposing constitutional amendments,” underscoring her commitment to accelerating parliamentary discussions. She also expressed proactive intentions to reform the Imperial Household Law as soon as possible.

If Takahashi aims for long-term governance, she must continue winning elections. Besides the upcoming spring unified local elections, the outcome of the upper house election in two and a half years will become the focal point.

A senior Diet member remarked: “With such high approval ratings, Takahashi Sanae is vital not only for the LDP but also for the upper house. We must sustain this momentum and win the upper house election two years from now.”

To implement a “major policy transformation” and convert personal popularity into party support, the LDP must accumulate tangible governing achievements. Not only Takahashi herself, but the entire LDP’s policy implementation capacity is now under close scrutiny by the Japanese public.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862260023112777/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.