Events

Much recent news about Japan has been about its economy and so-called Abenomics. However, the country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe has made no secret of his desire to amend Japan's constitution. Having won several successive elections, his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner may now be in a position to do so. While much of the discussion about Japanese constitutional amendment focuses on the famous "Renunciation of War clause," the amendment formally proposed by the LDP in 2012 suggests their agenda is much more extensive, idealogically-driven and potentially influential in areas of Japanese life having nothing to do with national security. Professor Carl Goodman, Adjunct Professor, Japanese Law at Georgetown University Law Center and Doshisha Law School's Professor Colin P.A. Jones will discuss some of the implications of the LDP proposals and the prospects for constitutional reform in Japan. Sponsored by Carolina Asia Center, Asian/Pacific Studies Institute and Duke East Asian Nexus. For more information please contact Sarah Holsapple at sarah.holsapple@law.duke.edu.