NHK says the governing coalition -- plus several other lawmakers and parties in favor of changing the Constitution -- now accounts for two-thirds of the Upper House.

The Liberal Democratic Party, its partner Komeito, and Initiatives from Osaka won 77 of the 121 seats at stake.

Together with the uncontested seats, the 3 parties, the Party for Japanese Kokoro, and independent lawmakers hold two-thirds of the seats in the chamber.

That level of support in both chambers is needed to call a national referendum on any proposed amendments to the Constitution.

The coalition already holds more than two-thirds of the seats in the Lower House.

The current Constitution has never been revised. It took effect in 1947.

Abe says some of the articles need to be changed to fit the times.

(NHK)