July 15, 2015, will go down in Japanese history. As what, though? The day democracy's decline became irreversible? Or the day democracy's decline was reversed?

The Wall Street Journal covered the core event of the drama in these terms: "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a significant stride (on the 15th) toward his goal of expanding the role of Japan's military, as the main chamber of parliament passed a package of national security bills despite scant public support and doubts about its constitutionality.

"The passage of the bills enables Mr. Abe to make good on a promise he made to U.S. lawmakers to approve 'by this summer' legislation that allows Japan to take on more responsibility under their bilateral security agreement."