The top or most interesting stories from Japan for February 4
– The after effects of Japan’s failed hostage negotiation is beginning to work its way into the political circuit. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been quoted by a unnamed source, saying he will push for a national referendum on changes to pacifist elements in Japan’s constitution to address the country’s new entrance into the war on terror.
In particular, Abe would seek changes to the constitution’s Article 9 which bans Japan’s Self Defence Force (SDF) entering international conflicts. (Asahi AJW, NYT)
A referendum could be a good opportunity for Abe considering barely 50% of Japan voted in the December 14 snap election, with those that did securing Abe’s Liberal Democrat Party’s hold on power.
– Meanwhile, the government has already begun preparing legislation which would see Japan’s SDF granted the power to use force to extract Japanese nationals from foreign countries.
The Japan News begun a three part series on Japan’s ‘preparedness’ to international terrorism, read it here.
– Japan’s national ping pong team has cancelled travel plans to Qatar and Kuwait, citing security fears in the wake of the hostage crisis.
– Kansai Electric Power Co. will seek approval from the national nuclear safety watchdog to restart two reactors in Fukui Prefecture, north of Kyoto.
– On a lighter note, two baby meerkats debuted at Shizuoka’s Fuji Safari Park.
