The Cabinet will set up an emergency headquarters in the event of a large-scale terrorist attack and prefectural governors will be able to request Self-Defense Forces help, according to a draft of proposed counterterrorism measures obtained by Kyodo News.

The measures will be in a government bill to protect the public in the event of a military attack. The bill is to be submitted during the current Diet session. Two related bills, on the provision of weapons and ammunition to U.S. forces and the use of designated public facilities in the event of emergencies, will also be submitted.

The bills supplement a set of war-contingency laws that define the national government's response to a foreign attack or threat of one, chiefly pertaining to the SDF. The laws, enacted in June, stirred public concern that they could run counter to the war-renouncing Constitution.

In the case of a large-scale terrorist attack, such as one involving aircraft or aimed at nuclear plants, the prime minister will consult the Cabinet to decide on responses and set up an emergency headquarters.

Governors can ask national agencies to take action, while mayors can do so through the governors.

Emergency situations would be defined as "acts to kill or injure a large number of people in ways equivalent to that of a military attack from abroad." These would include situations in which the acts suggest clear danger even if no damage has actually resulted.

A separate bill on facilitating action by the U.S. military stipulates that the SDF can provide the U.S. forces with supplies, such as weapons and ammunition, and services free of charge.

It would require the government to inform the public of the U.S. forces' activities, but local authorities would be responsible for communications and arranging logistics with the U.S. military.

The national government will be required to compensate the public and local authorities for damages and losses resulting from activities of the U.S. military.

The bill on the use of designated facilities stipulates that the prime minister can request or order operators of bays, ports and airports to give priority to the SDF in emergencies.