Asahi Shimbun April 2009 Public Opinion Poll on the Constitution
Dates Conducted
April 18 and 19, 2009 along with the regular public opinion poll
Date Released
May 1, 2009 (Morning Edition of the Asahi Shimbun)
Methodology
Decimals were rounded up. The numbers in [ ] are the percentages of those polled as compared to the entire population of those who answered. The numbers in ( ) are the results from a poll conducted on April 19 and 20, 2008.
Key Issues
- Revision/amendment of constitution
- Article 9
Disclaimer
The Mansfield Foundation is responsible for the translation of this Asahi Shimbun poll, subject to the Mansfield Foundation Terms of Use.
Survey
Q1. Do you think it is necessary or not necessary to amend the current constitution?
| Necessary | 53% (56) |
| Not necessary | 33% (31) |
SQ1. [For those 53% of people who answered “Necessary”] What is the reason for this? Please choose one answer from the following three choices:
| A new constitution should be written up by ourselves [Japanese people] | 9% [5] |
| There is a problem with Article 9 | 15% [8] |
| Should include a new system of rights | 74% [39] |
SQ2. [For those 33% of people who answered “Not necessary”] What is your reason for this? Please choose one answer from the following three choices:
| There are no problems as it is | 36% [12] |
| The revisions of the constitution may trigger a change on pacifism | 44% [15] |
| Guarantees freedom and rights | 14% [5] |
Q2. Article 9 states a “renunciation of war and the right to a military.” Do you think Article 9 should or should not be amended?
| Should be amended | 26% (23) |
| Should not be amended | 64% (66) |
SQ1. [For those 26% of people that answered “Should be amended”] In what way should Article 9 be amended? Please choose one from the following two choices:
| Amend the constitution reflecting the current role the SDF | 50% [13] |
| Amend the constitution following the examples of other countries and their military forces | 44% [11] |
Q3. The following questions concern the international activities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). To what extent do you accept SDF foreign operations? Please choose one answer from the following three choices:
| Do not accept SDF activity in foreign operations | 9% (15) |
| Accept SDF foreign operations as long as they are not involved in military force | 56% (64) |
| Accept SDF foreign operations and the use of military force if necessary | 32% (17) |
Q4. The constitution states that every citizen has the right to life above a minimum standard of health and culture. To what extent has this been achieved? Please choose one answer from the following four choices:
| Mostly achieved | 6% |
| Somewhat achieved | 45% |
| Somewhat not achieved | 41% |
| Mostly not achieved | 6% |