On July 15, the usually orderly Japanese parliament suddenly became chaotic when opposition lawmakers rioted to protest Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's security bill but failed.

Japanese opposition lawmakers cause chaos in parliament Photo: Reuters

Dozens of opposition lawmakers held banners protesting a lower house committee's vote on a security bill that would expand the role of Japan's military, AFP reported. The atmosphere became extremely heated when the speaker of the Diet, Yasukazu Hamada, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), announced the vote.

Opposition lawmakers chanted “No, no, no” and held up banners reading “No to Abe’s politics” and “No to forced decisions.” However, LDP lawmakers insisted on carrying out the vote. With the LDP’s majority, the security bill was easily passed by the House of Representatives committee.

“This bill will significantly change our defense policy. It is also likely to be unconstitutional,” said Katsuya Okada, president of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). “I firmly oppose this bill.”

Tomorrow, the LDP-controlled lower house of Japan's parliament will vote on the security bill. Hundreds of people have gathered outside the Diet building to protest. The number of protesters is expected to increase tonight.

With the security bill, Prime Minister Abe has chosen a “new interpretation” of Japan’s pacifist constitution. The bill will give the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) the right to go to war to protect allies (collective self-defense) even when Japan is not directly threatened.

The security bill is expected to easily pass the lower house. It will then be sent to the upper house. According to a survey by the Asahi newspaper, Mr Abe's approval rating among Japanese people has dropped from 42% to 39% due to the bill. As many as 56% expressed opposition to the bill.

Speaking to the Diet today, Prime Minister Abe asserted that the Japanese people still do not fully understand the security bill. Observers say the bill is a necessary step for Japan at a time when China is expanding its military activities in Asia. The US has previously stated its support for changes in Japan's military policy.

According to Reuters/TTO