epa04847309 Demonstrators protest against a controversial security bill outside Japan's parliament in Tokyo, Japan, 15 July 2015, after the bill was passed during a parliamentary committee. Reports state that, despite large public opposition, the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Abe pushed through security bills at a committee session in order to pass the new law to the lower house on 16 July to enable expansion of the role of Japan's military forces overseas. Opponents argued that Abe's initiative for the military could go against Japan's post-war constitution. Article 9 of the charter prohibits the use of force to settle international disputes. The blue placard reads 'Don't break Article 9 of the Constitution'. EPA/KIMIMASA MAYAMA