Tens of thousands protest at military bills in Japan

AFP, TOKYO: Tens of thousands rallied outside Japan’s parliament yesterday to protest against planned new laws that could see troops in the officially pacifist nation engage in combat for the first time since World War II.
A growing number of people, including university students and young parents, are joining protests against the controversial bills as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling party gears up to pass them before the current session ends late next month.
Holding placards reading “No war,” “Peace not war” and “Stop the security bills”, chanting demonstrators filled the street in front of the Diet (parliament).
A huge banner reading “Abe should step down”, adorned with black and white ballons, was carried through the crowd.
Among the protesters were Japanese musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and opposition party leaders including Katsuya Okada, head of the Democratic Party of Japan.

Tens of thousands protest at military bills in Japan

AFP, TOKYO: Tens of thousands rallied outside Japans parliament yesterday to protest against planned new laws that could see troops in the officially pacifist nation engage in combat for the first time since World War II. A growing number of people, including university students and young parents, are joining protests against the controversial bills as Prime Minister Shinzo Abes ruling party gears up to pass them before the current session ends late next month. Holding placards reading No war, Peace not war and Stop the security bills, chanting demonstrators filled the street in front of the Diet (parliament). A huge banner reading Abe should step down, adorned with black and white ballons, was carried through the crowd. Among the protesters were Japanese musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and opposition party leaders including Katsuya Okada, head of the Democratic Party of Japan.