Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's timing was impeccable: July 1 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF), the de-fanged fighting force that has protected the country since its creation from the ashes of post-World War II Japan. Following the announcement, it is also the day that, some would argue, the name ceased to have any meaning. Abe's government, mindful of looming regional security threats to Japan and its neighbors, has allowed the "reinterpretation" of the country's pacifist postwar constitution to reflect what he sees as necessary pivots to meet the 21st century security challenges that the nation faces.
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Japan's Prime Minister confirms a more liberal interpretation of the country's constitution
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Re-reading of postwar document will free up Japanese military to assist in conflicts overseas
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Opposition to the move runs high, although opinion is divided
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No Japanese military personnel have participated in armed conflicts since World War II
He said that @placeholder's security policy has evolved throughout the postwar period, and that the SDF activities in peacekeeping missions are appreciated around the world.
He said that Japan's security policy has evolved throughout the postwar period, and that the @placeholder activities in peacekeeping missions are appreciated around the world.
"The @placeholder people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes," an excerpt reads.