Japan's 2015 Security Legislation: Challenges to Its Implementation under International Law

On September 19, 2015, the Upper House of the Japanese Diet passed two security bills introduced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid fierce debate that divided the nation over their constitutionality. This was the second time controversial security-related legislation had been enacted under the Abe administration. It followed enactment of the State Secret Protection Law in December 2013, again at a time public opinion was deeply divided. In accordance with the proactive contribution to peace policy adopted by the Abe administration, the 2015 security legislation is designed to enable a seamless response to any security situation that may arise in order to secure the lives and peaceful livelihoods of Japanese nationals and to make a more proactive contribution to international peace and security.