Tens of thousands protest at military bills outside Japan parliament

Tens of thousands rallied outside Japan’s parliament Sunday to protest against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s push to expand the powers of Japan’s military amid a territorial dispute with China.

A growing number of people, including university students and young parents, are joining protests against the controversial bills as 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 balloons, was carried through the crowd.