Japan has revived debate over constitutional reform as escalating tensions in the Middle East expose the country’s limited ability to respond to global security threats.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday urged her ruling party to accelerate discussions on revising the country’s pacifist constitution, saying Japan must clearly define its future direction. According to The Straits Times, she hopes progress can be made ahead of next year’s party congress.

The renewed push comes as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. The situation escalated after Donald Trump warned of a possible US naval blockade targeting vessels linked to Iran, raising fears of global supply disruptions, as reported by The Straits Times.

Japan, which depends heavily on imported fuel, now faces a delicate balancing act. While it maintains strong relations with the United States, its constitution limits military involvement abroad unless the country is directly attacked.

Prime Minister Takaichi has so far refused to deploy Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to the Gulf, citing these legal constraints. According to The Straits Times, this position has helped her avoid domestic backlash, as most Japanese citizens remain opposed to involvement in foreign conflicts.

Japan’s post-war constitution, particularly its pacifist provisions, continues to restrict the country’s military role. However, Takaichi has long advocated for a more assertive and independent Japan in global affairs. Despite her party holding a strong majority in the lower house, it lacks sufficient support in the upper house to pass constitutional amendments. As reported by The Straits Times, any changes would require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament before being approved through a national referendum.

Public opinion remains cautious. According to The Straits Times, a recent JNN poll found that about 45 percent of respondents oppose sending Japanese forces to the Hormuz Strait. At the same time, concerns over energy security are rising. The Straits Times reported that while many citizens support government subsidies to stabilise fuel prices, a large majority remain worried about future energy supplies.

The constitutional reform debate is therefore closely linked to Japan’s economic stability and its role in an increasingly uncertain global environment.