The Liberal Democratic Party-New Komeito ruling bloc and the opposition camp faced off again Wednesday over the contentious state secrets bill, even though it appears headed for passage by the Upper House before the Diet session ends Friday.
During the day's debate between party leaders, LDP Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the bill is vital for national security, while Banri Kaieda, leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, attacked the proposed legislation as draconian.
"I can now say with certainty that the bill was created by bureaucrats, for bureaucrats to hide information," Kaieda said.