Japanese residents and neighboring countries are reacting to a controversial vote in Japan's parliament over the weekend. New legislation signed into law Saturday re-interprets Japan's pacifist constitution, allowing the country to engage in overseas combat, in limited circumstances.
Pacifist refers to the opposition of violence as a means of resolving conflict.
The new legislation would allow Japanese troops to fight overseas for the first time since World War II. The reinterpretation permits the Japanese military to defend its allies in a limited role in conflicts abroad. Supporters of the legislation, including officials in the United States, say it's important for Japan to be able to counter threats from China or North Korea. Opponents of the bill say they're worried about potentially sending troops into battle without combat experience. Others say it even violates the constitution.
Instructional Links
Website: Kids Web Japan
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/basic/index.html
Encyclopedia Article: Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Pacifism
May Need Password