Japan debates 'anti-terrorism bill'

Koizumi wants parliamentary approval for the changes

By the BBC's Peter Hadfield in Tokyo

Japan's parliament is deliberating a bill that gives wide-ranging powers to its armed forces.

The so-called anti-terrorism bill will allow Japanese troops to take part in overseas military action for the first time since the World War II.

There have been protests against the air strikes

Japan's constitution forbids the use of force as a means of settling international disputes, which is what makes this bill so controversial.

Until now Japanese troops have only gone abroad as part of United Nations peacekeeping missions, and have not been allowed to use their weapons.

The new bill goes further. It allows Japanese troops to support an aggressive military action that has not been sanctioned by the UN - although the support will only be logistical and will not involve actual combat.

New interpretation

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says the constitution is vague, and that he is simply interpreting it in a different way.

But opposition politicians say the constitution is clear enough, and that the new bill is in violation of it.

There have even been small demonstrations in the streets by peace activists opposed to the bill.

The government is taking this step because it wants Japan to be a player on the world stage, and it is under pressure from Washington to show its support.

During the Gulf War, Japan was criticised for not despatching any troops to the Middle East. This time it does not want to be the odd country out.