Step closer to amending pacifist constitution
Japan’s parliament passed rules today for amending the country’s pacifist constitution.
The move marked a political victory for nationalist Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he pushes to give Japan’s military a larger global role.
The legislation was easily passed in parliament’s Upper House with support of the ruling bloc’s majority.
The measure was approved last month by the Lower House.
However, the bill drew strong criticism from opposition members who said the legislation is flawed and aimed at boosting Abe’s image before key elections in July.
The 1947 constitution, drafted by US occupation officials in the aftermath of the Second World War, has never been amended. The legislation sets up panels in both the lower and upper parliamentary houses to review drafts of proposed amendments.
The legislation also calls for discussion of a proposal to lower the voting age from 20 to 18 years.
Abe, who is strengthening military cooperation with the United States and requiring schools to teach patriotism, has campaigned to loosen the constitution’s limits on military action.
