Chronology: Domestic and foreign moves calling for constitutional amendments

2000
January
The Constitution Research Council is set up in the Upper and Lower Houses.

October
"Armitage Report" published by the Institute for National Strategic Studies National Defense University refers to Japan's constitutional restrictions on the right of collective defense.

2001
April
Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's Cabinet starts.

LDP Secretary-General Yamasaki Taku in his book calls for constitutional amendments.

October
The Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law allowing Japan to assist the U.S. forces in the war on Afghanistan is enacted.

November
The Parliamentarians' League for Promotion of Constitution Research compiles proposal for a national referendum law for amendment of the constitution.

2002
April
A set of three contingency-related bills is submitted to the Diet.

July
The Constitution Research Council of the Democratic Party of Japan puts forward plan as a bases for discussions on constitutional amendments.

November
The House of Representatives Constitution Research Council (Chair: Nakayama Taro) submits its interim report to the Lower House chair.

The Komei Party at its national congress proposes clauses to be added to the Constitution.

2003
March : The U.S. starts the war on Iraq.

June: The contingency bills are enacted.

July: The law to dispatch SDF to Iraq is legislated. (end)