Legislation to implement this radical change in Japan's defense policy, permitting authorities to send troops abroad to fight together with the country's ally forces for the first time since World War II, was accepted on Wednesday.
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe claimed that the bills are essential for Tokyo's new challenges in the region, such as China. The legislation violates the pacifist constitution of Japan, Abe's opponents suggested. They also claimed it would oblige Tokyo to take part in US-led conflicts around the globe.
Abe is believed to be pushing the bills as his ruling bloc has an overwhelming majority in the lower house.
The Japanese prime minister's ratings have rapidly fallen over people's concerns about implementing security bills. According to an Asahi newspaper poll released on Monday, Abe's disapproval rating rose to 42 percent.
