Japan has passed three new laws designed to support the international war on terror. The first allows Japanese military forces to deploy anywhere in the world to provide rear-area support for allied nations (i.e., the US) engaged in anti-terrorist operations. The second allows the Japanese military to help protect US bases in Japan, a mission previously restricted to the police. The third allows Japanese Coast Guard ships to open fire on suspicious ships in Japanese waters. North Korea condemned the move. China and South Korea only asked Japan to show restraint and deliberation in using the new authority.--Stephen V Cole