Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged her ruling Liberal Democratic Party to accelerate work on constitutional revision so it can enter the 2027 party congress with a clear path toward formal amendment, particularly regarding defense, Bloomberg reported on April 12. Takaichi cited the worsening strategic environment, with the United States threatening to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, to enhance the pitch.

Japan's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil has left it vulnerable to shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, even as Washington is pressing its allies to assume more of their regional defense burdens, giving Takaichi a concrete example of why legal and constitutional flexibility could be more advantageous.