ASI's Finn: Japan reform huge gamble

Shinzo Abe's landslide victory in last year's presidential election leaves him in an unprecedented position of power and likely to become the longest-serving Japanese premier ever.

Japan's constitution needs change so reform is an alluring prospect. But it is also a huge, fraught gamble. The country has the oldest written constitution in the world and there is no precedent on a range of the constitutional issues up for debate. He will need a two-thirds majority in parliament and then a simple majority in a subsequent public referendum.  Why the impact of reducing cross-shareholdings in Japan 'should not be underestimated' There is also no evidence that the public is crying out for reform. A recent Kyodo News poll indicated 49% oppose plans to submit later ...