A 72-year-old Japanese man launched legal action on Friday against a government decision that sought to redefine the military's role to include aiding Japan's allies in the event of conflict.

The man was identified as Tokinao Chindo from Mie Prefecture in central Japan, according to an Agence France-Presse. Chindo, a retired civil servant, filed the suit with the district court in Tokyo after the cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, decided last week to reinterpret Article 9 of Japan's constitution, which restricts the use of armed force.  

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Under the new interpretation, Japan can send troops to defend its allies, in particular the U.S., in case of aggression by a common enemy, even if the attack did not target Japan.

Chindo said Tokyo's decision violated the anti-war provisions of Japan's constitution. He added the lawsuit, believed to be the first legal challenge to Japan's military expansion, should lead to more Japanese bringing similar actions against Tokyo.

Chindo, who witnessed the Second World War as a young boy, told AFP he wanted the next generation to heed his message to "never wage war." He said his country should not forget the millions of people who died in World War II.

Chindo's remarks reflected the sentiment of many Japanese. The report said recent newspaper surveys showed at least fifty percent of the population objected to increasing the military's power.

China, which is embroiled in a maritime dispute with Japan, opposes a larger role for the armed forces, saying it could bring back Japan's militarist past.

The U.S. and Australia, however, supported Abe's move. The Philippines, despite having been occupied by Japan during World War II, also backed the historic decision.

During Abe's visit to Manila in June, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said allowing Japan's military to aid allies would benefit "nations of goodwill."

Like Japan and other Asian countries, the Philippines has long-standing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

TagsJapanese military expansion, Lawsuit vs. Japan