Japan to Allow Military Role Overseas

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Japan's parliament has voted to allow the military to fight overseas for the first time since the end of World War Two. Under the new law, Japan would be able to provide logistical support to South Korea if the North invaded. What will this mean for Japanese relations with the rest of the world and can they afford more military spending? We hear from Justin Logan at the Cato Institute. In Finland, thousands have protested in the capital Helsinki, voicing opposition to planned austerity measures. Tuomas Niskakangas, a journalist at Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, explains why some Finns are against the cuts. The iconic British music magazine the New Musical Express has reacted to falling sales by deciding to give away copies for free. The NME, which was at the forefront of rock music trends for decades, will be supported in future by advertising revenues. The BBC’s Marie Keyworth looks at the changing face of music publications. The Rugby World Cup 2015 begins at Twickenham stadium in south west London – the game is becoming big business, but how does it compare with the likes of football and athletics? Julian Bennetts, author of ‘The Official England Rugby Guide to the 2015 World Cup’ picks up the story. And we hear from the man President Obama called his ‘surrogate son’. Reggie Love was the president’s personal aid or ‘body guy’ - catering to his every need. He tells Lucy Burton about playing basketball with the president and why he chose a career in politics over sport. All this and more with our guest for the hour, Colin Peacock - host of the mediawatch programme on Radio New Zealand. (Picture: Applause from the Japanese upper house as the defence bill is passed. Credit: AFP/Getty Images.)