The July Nikkei public opinion poll probed views on Japan’s possession of the capability to strike enemy bases. If Japan had this capability, it would be able to strike military bases in other countries to deter them from launching a missile attack on Japan. A total of 37% said that they are in favor of Japan possessing this capability, while 55% said they are opposed.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) supporters were split over the issue with 48% saying they support Japan’s possession while 47% said they do not. The majority of Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) supporters said they support Japan’s being able to strike enemy bases. By gender, 48% of men and 21% of women said they support Japan’s possession of strike capabilities.

The LDP is looking into Japan’s possession of strike capabilities as a measure to strengthen its ability to deter attacks. The government interprets the use of a strike capability as within the scope of self-defense if “there are no other means” [to address a security contingency]. It thus takes the stance that the use of a strike capability is not in violation of the Constitution.

[Polling methodology: The national poll, conducted via random-digit dialing on July 17-19, drew valid responses from 1,046 adults, for a response rate of 45.7%. Nikkei Research is in charge of the Nikkei’s periodic polls and trend surveys conducted prior to elections. Nikkei Research outsources the polling work to a polling agency. Nikkei Research controls and oversees the telephone-based poll onsite in addition to checking the data. It also confirms that the work is not re-outsourced and that nothing improper happens.]