According to a document issued by the Embassy in Cameroon, the measure was prompted by emerging threats to international security.

In the face of changes in the global security scene over the years, the Government of Japan recently announced changes to its defence policy. The changes include the shift in balance of power, rapid progress in technological innovation, the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles, and threats of international terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region,

“During the 67 years since the Constitution of Japan came into effect, the security environment surrounding the country has fundamentally transformed and is continuing to evolve, and Japan is confronted by complex and significant national security challenges,” notes a release from the Japanese Embassy in Cameroon. Thus, Prime Minister Shinzō Abe on May 15, 2014, announced the policy change at a press conference after “the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security” was submitted on the same day.

Based on the report and ensuing discussions, the government has promised to “promptly develop domestic legislation necessary for securing the lives and peaceful livelihoods of its people, in accordance with some basic principles.” These include responding to infringements that do not amount to armed attack, contributing to the peace and stability of the international community, taking self-defensive measures permitted under Article 9 of the Constitution, and developing domestic legislation.   

According to the statement, the measure was necessitated by the fact that any threat to security in the region could have direct impact on the country.  “For ensuring Japan’s security, it is important for the Self-defence Forces, SDF, and the United States Armed Forces to respond seamlessly in close cooperation to a situation where an attack occurs against the units of United States Armed Forces currently engaged in activities which contribute to the defence of Japan…”

The statement says that because of the “increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan … the Government will further strengthen necessary measures in all areas, which include enhancing the respective agencies’ response capabilities and strengthening collaboration among agencies.” Similarly, the Government will also “make concrete considerations on measures for issuing orders swiftly and accelerating procedures in the light of the circumstances.”  

“Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation under the Constitution. While adhering to a basic policy of maintaining an exclusively national defence-oriented policy, not becoming a military power that poses a threat to other countries, and observing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, Japan has flourished as an economic power through continuous efforts of its people,” says the document.