constitutional-revision
Contemporary debates in Japan about revising the constitution, particularly Article 9, which could affect the relationship between the imperial house and the state and potentially legitimize militarism.
2 chapters across 1 book
Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan (2000)Herbert P. Bix
Part IV of Herbert P. Bix's 'Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan' critically examines Emperor Hirohito's active role in wartime decision-making and the postwar reinvention of the Japanese monarchy under American occupation, which shielded him from accountability. The chapter further explores Japan's post-Cold War political challenges, including the persistence of unaccountable elites, nationalist resurgence, and debates over constitutional revision, highlighting the enduring tensions between imperial authority, sovereign immunity, and democratic accountability.
Chapter 14, titled 'A Monarchy Reinvented,' examines the transformation of the Japanese monarchy during the Allied occupation following World War II. It details the redefinition of Emperor Hirohito's political authority through constitutional reforms, the management of his public image to maintain stability, and the contested debates over his war responsibility. The chapter also explores the role of media and public communication strategies in shaping historical narratives and public perception during this critical period of political and social reorientation.