In 1960 Nobusuke Kishi, then prime minister, rammed through legislation to strengthen Japan’s military alliance with the US. He did so despite strong objection from many voters, hundreds of thousands of whom poured on to the streets in protest. More than half a century later Shinzo Abe, Kishi’s grandson, is at it again.

Last week, Mr Abe secured lower house approval for 11 bills that would make it marginally easier for Japanese troops to fight alongside their US allies. As things stand Japan’s armed forces — officially still called the Self Defence Forces because of restrictions imposed by the pacifist constitution — can defend Japan only if it is directly under attack.

As in his grandfather’s day, there were noisy demonstrations outside parliament and commotion inside. The vote was passed after the opposition walked out of the chamber. Now the bills must be ratified by the upper house, a process likely to take two controversial months. Even if the upper house rejects them, the lower house — where Mr Abe’s ruling coalition enjoys a hefty majority — is almost certain to drive them through.