Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi indicated Wednesday that the government may study the possibility of revising existing legislation that prevents the Self-Defense Forces from taking part in U.N. military operations.
Responding to questions posed by Liberal Party lawmaker Hideo Watanabe during a plenary session of the Upper House, Obuchi said the government may "consider how the law (on the SDF's U.N.-related activities) should be based on the ideals of the Constitution so that we may actively contribute to international peace."
However, later in the day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka said the Constitution only allows the SDF to participate in nonmilitary activities, and that there has been no shift in the government's interpretation. "Peace activities themselves include a wide range of activities. We understand that what the Constitution currently allows our country to take part in are nonmilitary activities," Nonaka said.