Japan takes historic step from post-war pacifism, OKs fighting for allies

1 OF 5. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe waves upon his arrival at his official residence in Tokyo July 1, 2014.

BY LINDA SIEG AND KIYOSHI TAKENAKA-TOKYO Tue Jul 1, 2014

(Reuters) - Japan took a historic step away from its post-war pacifism on Tuesday by ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945, a victory for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe but a move that has riled China and worries many Japanese voters.

Japan Takes Historic Step From Post-war Pacifism, OKs Fighting for Allies by Maria Anderson