Legislation on the Response in the case of an armed attack and other such emergency and Japan's Foreign Policy

June 2003
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

A set of emergency bills on Japan's response in the case of an armed attack against Japan was approved in the House of Councilors and enacted on June 6, 2003. The following describes the significance of this legislation and actions to be taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

1. The emergency legislation on Japan's response in the case of an armed attack against Japan is significant especially in the following three aspects:

   (1) It enhances the reliability of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements and further consolidates Japan's security.

   (2) Through the observation of international humanitarian law, it increases international trust and helps strengthening the international order.

   (3) It increases the transparency concerning Japan's response in the case of an armed attack or other such emergency.

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs will, in cooperation with Cabinet Secretariat, Defense Agency and other relevant authorities, engage in the work of drafting related legislation that is to be enacted promptly after the enactment of the emergency bills, with special emphasis on the following points:

   (1) Through the establishment of legislation on the protection of Japanese nationals, the treatment of prisoners of war, legislation on the punishment of inhumane acts at times of armed conflict, and other relevant legislation, the Ministry will ensure the definite implementation of the four Geneva Conventions (concluded) and the two additional protocols of those conventions (unconcluded). Regarding the two unconcluded protocols, the Ministry will proceed with work for conclusion with an eye on the schedule of the establishment of a full legal framework of Emergency Legislation.

   (2) The Ministry will adopt necessary measures to facilitate the smooth action of the U.S. military in the case of an armed attack against Japan or other such emergency.