Scuffles in parliament as Japan defies protests to unleash might of its army

Politicians scuffled in parliament on Thursday during a heated debate over a security bill that could see Japan’s military fight abroad for the first time in decades. Members of the opposition and the ruling coalition pushed and shoved each other as a committee chairman was surrounded. Tensions were running high after the committee vote was repeatedly delayed through Wednesday night, as opposition lawmakers blocked doorways and packed the corridors of parliament in protest. The legislation, which also prompted thousands to take to the streets outside parliament to demonstrate, is still likely to be passed.

Is the ruling party listening to the voices of the public? You can do whatever you want to do because you have a majority – is that what you think?

A tearful MP, Tetsuro Fukuyama

Under the planned changes, the military – known as the Self-Defense Forces – would have the option of going into battle to protect allies even if there was no direct threat to Japan itself. However, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to vent their anger during almost daily rallies over the past weeks, a show of public feeling on a scale rarely seen in Japan. As tempers flared inside the normally sedate parliament on Wednesday night, 13 people were arrested for “interfering with officers” during a rally that saw an estimated 13,000 people gather outside parliament in Tokyo. Some protesters held up pictures of prime minister Shinzo Abe with a Hitler haircut and moustache.

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