Constitutional questions grow over Japan PM’s military plans

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s pledge to the U.S. to increase Japan’s military contribution internationally is facing more questions about potential conflicts with the nation’s pacifist Constitution. Opposition lawmakers demanded answers from key Cabinet members at a hearing Wednesday, after three prominent constitution experts — including one chosen by Abe’s ruling party — unanimously told a parliamentary committee last week that legislation allowing Japanese troops to defend foreign militaries would violate the war-renouncing Article 9 of Japan’s postwar constitution.

Obviously you drafted the legislation by manipulating the constitution to achieve your goals.

Kiyomi Tsujimoto, a member of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan

Defense Secretary Gen Nakatani defended the legislation as constitutional but said the security environment surrounding Japan has changed and its self-defense-only principle is insufficient. The bills would remove geographic restrictions on where the military can operate, while allowing Japan to defend its allies, not just itself. The legislation would also enhance the U.S.-Japan security alliance, but Abe has denied opponents’ fears that it would increase the chance of Japan being drawn into a U.S.-led war. Instead, he said, the legislation would increase deterrence.

Japan military Asia-Pacific