TOKYO — Japan's national bar association on Wednesday threw its weight behind growing opposition to controversial security bills that could pave the way for Japanese troops to engage in combat for the first time since the end of World War II.
Hundreds of demonstrators, including some members of the 36,000-strong Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), took part in a Tokyo rally with academics and citizens groups calling for the government to scrap the legislation — in the final stages of working its way through parliament.
Under the proposed new rules, pacifist Japan's Self-Defense Forces would have the option of going into battle to protect allies even if there was no direct threat to Japan or its people.
"The constitution couldn't work as a constitution" if the bills took effect, JFBA chairman Susumu Murakoshi told a news conference ahead of the rain-soaked demonstration.
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