“Armed Attack Situation Response Law” enacted in the ordinary Diet session in 2003

Three Emergency-Related Laws (“Armed Attack Situation Response Law,” “Partial Amendment to the Security Council of Japan Establishment Law,” and “Partial Amendment to the SDF Law”) were enacted in the Diet in June 2003 with wide support of lawmakers of both the ruling and opposition parties. This has established the basic system for response to national emergencies.

The Armed Attack Situation Response Law is formally called “the Law for Peace and Independence of Japan and Maintenance of the Nation and the People’s Security in Armed Attack Situations etc.” It aims to establish a plan for responding to armed attack situations etc. and legislation required for responding to armed attack situations etc. by prescribing basic matters regarding responses to such situations, including fundamental principles, responsibilities of the national government and local governments, etc.