Tens of thousands of people gathered outside the Japanese parliament building early Thursday as lawmakers continued to debate national security bills.
The broadcaster reported scuffles in the national legislature, with a vote on the opposition’s no-confidence motion taking place following an adjournment.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and members of the ruling bloc want to pass the security bills by the end of the week, NHK added.
Abe’s government introduced the legislation to parliament in May. The bills triggered nationwide rallies among citizens accusing Abe of using it as a pretext for militarily involving Japan in international armed conflicts.
The new legislation, abolishing Article 9 of the Japanese constitution that renounces the use of force in settling international disputes, would allow the co-called Self-Defense Force to be sent overseas in an offensive military posture for the first time in seven decades.
