(VOVworld) – Japan’s new security law has come into force after being ratified 6 months ago. It stipulates, for the first time since World War II, that Japan’s Self-defense Forces are allowed to fight overseas. The new law marks a significant shift away from the nation’s pacifist postwar Constitution.

Demonstrators protest against the new security law as they rally outside the Diet building in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

Japan’s pacifist Constitution following World War II limited its army to self-defense activities and renamed it the Self-defense Forces. The new law allows Japan’s army to protect allies when collective defense is needed, which previously would have been a violation of the Constitution.

The new law specifies that Japan has the right to counter-attack missiles crossing its territory and targeting the US. In the event that American warships are attacked, the Japanese army can provide support. Japan can contribute troops to landmine clearance projects or a UN peacekeeping force.

The law, initiated by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, aims to strengthen Japan’s ability to deal with increasing risks. Abe told a parliamentary session on March 22 that Japan will enhance its defense capability and be active in ensuring peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. He stressed the importance of the new law in the content of North Korean nuclear tests and missile launches in defiance of opposition from other countries. The law allows the army to cooperate closely with the US and improve their combined operations. The US supports the new law.

Some Japanese are worried that the new law rolls back a pacifist policy which has resulted in peace and prosperity for 7 decades. They fear that closer US-Japan military cooperation will make Japan a target of anti-American extremists and draw Japan into conflicts. People have demonstrated outside the House of Parliament to protest the law. A public poll by Yomiuri newspaper shows that 47% of Japanese oppose the new security law. The Nikkei newspaper puts the figure at 35%.

The Japanese government has pledged to carefully consider any new mission for the Self-defense Forces.