RAYONG, Thailand (Kyodo) -- The Self-Defense Forces have been conducting their first drill overseas to extract Japanese nationals, based on security legislation that took effect last year, with part of the exercise in central Thailand opened to the media Sunday.
The legislation loosened limitations imposed by Japan's war-renouncing Constitution to enable Japanese troops to play a greater role overseas, including restrictions on the use of weapons during operations to protect Japanese nationals.
The SDF did not allow the media to view the use of weapons by troops during the drill, conducted as part of Cobra Gold multilateral exercises co-hosted by Thailand and the United States.
SDF members were previously only allowed to "transport" Japanese nationals to safe locations during overseas emergencies. Under the new legislation, they can use weapons while rescuing nationals and can also protect foreigners under certain conditions.
Read the full story at The Mainichi