After a quarter century of government discussion of security policy, the Diet is set to debate legislation designed to deal with emergencies directly affecting the security of Japan -- namely, military attacks from abroad. At stake is a set of three bills, adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday and submitted to the Diet on Wednesday, that would enable the nation to take necessary actions against such attacks.
The basic need for such legislation goes without saying. Defending the country against aggression -- maintaining its peace and independence and securing the safety of its people -- is the central aim of national security policy. It is only natural, therefore, to improve the legal system to meet that objective.
The Diet has a grave responsibility: making choices that best serve the interests of Japan. The first order of business is to thrash out all relevant matters, including international developments and questions related to the Constitution. That is essential to clear up any public doubts and misconceptions about the proposed legislation.