An estimated 13,000 pacifist protesters gathered outside The National Diet building in Tokyo calling for a halt the remilitarisation plans, which could see the country entering into international conflict for the first time since World War Two.
The vote would change Japan's pacifist constitution, prohibiting them from using war as a way to settle international disputes. During the vote in Parliament, members of the opposition beginning to brawl with pro-military politicians; while the protest outside remained just as tumultuous with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed that the new laws will be in place by the end of the parliamentary session on September 27th, the law will allow for Japan to enter conflict and assist allies without the permission of parliament or the public.
One protester Makiko Inui told reporters that "Japan is now heading towards war, blindly following the United States. The bills are against the constitution", he added.
"Prime Minister Abe is wrong in his way of trying to build peace. We must oust Mr Abe or Japan could be destroyed".
Last nite,Protest agst #warbill @ the Diet,#Tokyo Many tweeps say police reaction last nite was the worst v @aki21st pic.twitter.com/h5VZ0xLvr6
— Coley (@Coley_EJ) September 14, 2015
Earlier, protesters had bombarded a hotel in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, where politicians were holding a public hearing.
In other parts of Japan protesters have began blocking roads, chanting and preventing politicians vehicles from leaving debates.
The public outcry in reaction to the bill shares comparisons to protests in the 1960's outside of The National Diet building when many feared the country could be drawn into conflict with the United States at the height of the Cold War.
Due to the public outcry, Japan signed the treaty, which still to this day, commits the United States to defending Japan.
Demonstrators in protest against the security bills in front of the Diet building in Tokyo on Aug. 30, 2015 pic.twitter.com/7tt1eBX8Ch
— ♕۩OCCUPY TEPCO۩♕ (@OccupyJapan12) September 9, 2015
Though they been strongly protested it is believed the changes will become law on Friday, allowing Japan to become involved in international conflicts even if it does not appear to be a direct threat to the country.
Read More:
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