Doubting the Sovereign: Who is the Protagonist of Governance?

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Keigo Komamura
Faculty of Law Professor

Keigo Komamura
Faculty of Law Professor

2023/09/11

The late Shinzo Abe repeatedly used two phrases to invite the public toward constitutional reform: "The ones who ultimately decide are you, the people, the sovereign," and "The protagonists are you, the people." This was four or five years ago. Despite flattering them as "protagonists," their role is limited to the "final decision"—the very end of the show. It seems to imply they should remain silent until their turn comes.

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

The "sovereign people" are the protagonists and the final trump card, and their voice is the "voice of God." Yet, at the same time, 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 "a theory of sovereignty 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 limited to that of the "sovereign." They also stand on the stage of governance wearing the masks of "voters" or "citizens." Before the "handle with care" sovereign makes an appearance, we should demonstrate our efforts as "voters" and "citizens."

I do not believe that a public sleeping soundly 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 never opens a textbook to suddenly get serious on exam day and pass. In that sense, the late Mr. Abe was correct. It is important to gain experience on the stage as voters and citizens on a daily basis, leaving the sovereign's turn for the very end. If there is no will to work hard as voters or citizens, then there is no turn for the sovereign. It would be better for them to stay asleep.