Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration is moving recklessly forward with a revision of the Imperial House Law even without the consensus of either the legislative branch or the public.

The government’s failure to heed the opposing views and criticism that have arisen is extremely unusual.

The ruling and opposition parties agreed to hold deliberations on the bill to revise the Imperial House Law on July 10 in the Lower House Rules and Administration Committee.

But the ruling coalition is seeking to pass the measure in committee after only three hours of deliberations and have the Lower House plenary session vote on it the same day.

Although this is an important issue that goes to the heart of the formation of the nation, the government is seeking to force through a vote.

It is an outrageous act in which the government is destroying the very “calm environment” it said was needed.

If the bill passes as is, it will leave a black mark in history as well as trouble for the future.

The government must retract the measure and redo deliberations from the very start.

Discussions on revising the Imperial House Law differ in character from that for ordinary bills.

Article 1 of the Constitution states that the emperor’s position derives “from the will of the people.”

That is why past governments have been very cautious in handling matters related to imperial succession and the overall imperial system.

In particular, the revision bill has major defects so it should not be pushed forward as though passage is a foregone conclusion.

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