Final Diet Stage: Focus on Imperial House Law, Sub-Capital, Referendum Law, and Basic Policy

Imperial House Law Amendment Bill Passes Upper House Committee on 15th, Expected to Enact on 17th The Imperial House Law amendment bill to secure the number of imperial family members was passed on the 15th by the House of Councillors Special Committee with a majority vote from the LDP, Ishin, and others. It is expected to be enacted at the plenary session on the 17th. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan submitted a revised version but it was voted down, and four centrist lawmakers who abstained from the vote were given reprimands. 1

Sub-Capital Bill to Pass Lower House on 15th; Aim for Enactment with Session Extension The government and ruling parties have begun adjusting to extend the Diet session by one week to ensure the passage of the sub-capital bill. The bill has been agreed upon in a revision by the three parties: LDP, Ishin, and Mirai, and is expected to pass the House of Representatives on the 15th. Meanwhile, consultations with the Democratic Party for the People are proving difficult. 2

Referendum Law Amendment Bill Passes Upper House Constitutional Committee The referendum law amendment bill, which stipulates procedures for constitutional amendment, was passed by a majority vote of the ruling parties and others at the House of Councillors Committee on the Constitution on the 15th. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed the hope that the party convention next spring could be a point where a prospect for initiating constitutional amendment has been established, indicating significant progress in the constitutional amendment process. 3

Final Draft of Basic Policy Avoids Specific Numerical Targets for Defense Spending The final draft of the 'Basic Policy Framework' that the government aims to adopt in a Cabinet meeting on the 21st has been revealed. Regarding the increase in defense spending, which is a focus of the revision of the three security-related documents, it does not include specific GDP ratio numerical targets, but instead cites examples such as the NATO countries' 3.5% target in a footnote. It also includes a stance of respecting the independence of monetary policy by citing provisions of the Bank of Japan Act. 45

Government Approves Second Phase AI Basic Plan at Cabinet Meeting On the 14th, the government approved the national AI strategy 'Second Phase AI Basic Plan' at a Cabinet meeting. Noting that the emergence of high-performance AI such as 'Claude Mytos' has escalated cyber attack risks, the plan emphasizes security measures and the establishment of 'AI sovereignty'. It also includes concentrated investment in vertical-specific and physical AI. 67

New Intelligence Agency Directly Under Prime Minister to Be Launched by End of Month The government plans to establish a 'National Security Council' (National Intelligence Council) by the end of this month, which will oversee intelligence collection and analysis under the leadership of the Prime Minister's Office. It aims to accelerate discussions on countermeasures against foreign spies and human resource development. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara stated at a press conference that regarding the US urging member states to withdraw from the ICC, 'we are watching with concern'. 89

Support Rate for Takaichi Cabinet Remains High Even at End of Diet Session According to the latest polls by NHK and JNN, the approval rating for the Takaichi Cabinet remains at a high level of 58-66% even as the Diet session ends. Despite opposition scrutiny and turmoil within the ruling party, no major upheaval is seen in the government's foundation. 10

Highest Number of Extremely Hot Days This Year: 170 Locations; Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reaches Alert Level On the 14th, temperatures rose mainly in eastern Japan, with the number of extremely hot days (temperatures over 35°C) exceeding 100 locations for the first time this year, eventually reaching 170 locations. Hamamatsu City recorded over 38°C. In addition, infections of hand-foot-and-mouth disease are spreading, with the number of patients per medical institution exceeding the alert level of 5, prompting warnings in 27 prefectures. 11121314