Japan's new national security laws have come into effect six months after lawmakers enacted them last September.
The legislation allows Japan to use force to exercise its right to collective self-defense. That means Japan will be able to defend other nations with which it has close relations if Japan's territory or people are in danger.
The Self-Defense Forces can also carry out other new duties, including logistics support for foreign troops. In the past, that required special legislation. Japanese Self-Defense Forces doing UN peacekeeping missions will also be able to use their weapons to aid foreign troops under attack, which could apply to Japanese forces currently in South Sudan.
Government officials are expected to draw up new rules of engagement over the next three months. Drills based on these rules are expected to begin later this year.
◆enact （法案を）成立させる
◆legislation 法律（制定）
◆right to collective self-defense 集団的自衛権 [the]
◆logistics support 後方支援
◆aid 支援する
◆draw up 策定する
◆engagement 戦闘
◆drill 訓練、演習
