Ignoring protests from furious voters and opposition lawmakers, the ruling camp led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has enacted two divisive security laws, marking a significant departure from Japan's postwar pacifism.
Following the law's passage, which came early Saturday morning, one question stands out: How good is the public's memory?
Polls have suggested a majority of voters — more than 60 percent according to some surveys — opposed the bills, and the forcible enactment of the legislation is now expected to push down the government's approval rating.