Japan's ruling party unveiled plans to revise its constitutional commitment to pacifism and allow the country to establish armed forces "for self defence". The proposals would end Japan's renunciation of the right to maintain an army, as enshrined in the constitution imposed by America after the Second World War.The Liberal Democratic Party has spent years drafting a revision of the post-war constitution to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the party's founding. The party has dominated the country since it was set up, ruling Japan for the past century save for a period of a few months.
The new draft keeps the commitment to peace but recognises the military as crucial to maintaining it. In the 240,000-strong Self Defence Forces, Japan already has a military in all but name. But constitutional revision would regularise its status, sweep away restrictions and enable it to play a bigger role. The defence minister would also be upgraded to a member of the cabinet. A clear legal basis would be created for non-combat missions overseas, such as reconstruction in Iraq and logistical support for the American-led war in Afghanistan.
Any move away from pacifism is likely to be viewed with suspicion in Asian countries that suffered from Japanese aggression in the Second World War. But a majority of Japanese feels that such fears are overblown and that Japan has the right to become a "normal country" with normal military forces.
Constitutional revision will be resisted by Japan's small communist and socialist parties. But it is expected to pass through parliament with the necessary two thirds majority because of backing from the main opposition party, the Democrats, and the LDP. It must then be approved in a referendum.