午夜剧场

The late Shinzo Abe repeatedly used two phrases to invite the public to constitutional reform: "Ultimately, it is you, the sovereign people, who decide," and "The protagonists are you, the people." This was about four or five years ago. Despite being elevated as the "protagonists," their role was limited to the finale—to "ultimately decide." It was as if they were being told to remain silent until their turn came.

Of course, it is not only conservatives who have elevated the sovereign; liberals have done the same. Liberals criticize the ruling party, which boasts an overwhelming majority, as an oligarchic and tyrannical party that does not listen to the "voice of the true sovereign." Yet, it is strange that the seats held by liberal parties—who supposedly listen to that "voice of the true sovereign"—continue to decrease.

The "sovereign people" are the protagonists, the final trump card, and their voice is the "voice of God." At the same time, however, there is a lingering scent of magical falsehood about it.

I cannot believe in the "sovereign people," nor can I say for certain that I do not believe in them. Therefore, I decided to doubt.

To that end, I traced the trajectory of theology and jurisprudence regarding sovereignty and the sovereign since the Middle Ages, thought through metaphors of Daimajin and Godzilla, and ultimately reached the conclusion that "sovereignty theory can only be established by doubting the sovereign."

The first half of this book is somewhat conceptual, but the second half offers practical suggestions. The role the people should play is not just that of the "sovereign." They also stand on the stage of governance wearing the masks of "voters" and "citizens." Before inviting the "handle with care" sovereign to appear, we should show ourselves working hard as "voters" and "citizens."

I do not believe that a public that is fast asleep as "voters" or "citizens" will suddenly wake up and demonstrate their abilities when called upon as the "sovereign." It is impossible for a student who has never opened a textbook to suddenly get serious on exam day and pass. In that sense, the late Mr. Abe was correct. It is important to regularly take the stage as voters/citizens, and the sovereign's turn should be saved for the very end. If there is no intention to work hard as voters/citizens, there is no turn for the sovereign. It might be safer to stay asleep.

Keigo Komamura

Chikuma Shinsho

304 pages, 1,012 yen (tax included)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.