As Japan marks 80 years of Constitution, debate continues on emergency clause

What happened: Japan marked 80 years since the promulgation of its Constitution, with debate continuing over whether to add an emergency clause that would temporarily expand government authority during large-scale disasters. Why it matters: Some experts say the clause is needed for swift initial responses to disasters such as a possible powerful earthquake beneath Tokyo or in the Nankai Trough, while others are concerned it could lead to a concentration of authority. Key numbers: 80 years since promulgation.

Japan marked 80 years since the promulgation of its Constitution, with debate continuing over whether to add an emergency clause that would temporarily expand government authority during large-scale disasters.

Some experts say the clause is needed for swift initial responses to disasters such as a possible powerful earthquake beneath Tokyo or in the Nankai Trough, while others are concerned it could lead to a concentration of authority. Key numbers: 80 years since promulgation.