Japan’s upper house is braced for a continuing battle of wills.

Opposition lawmakers are trying to physically block a vote on laws to expand the role of the armed forces.

The bills would allow the military to defend Japan’s allies even when the country isn’t under attack, work more closely with the US and other allies, and do more in international peacekeeping.

The legislation has also sparked huge protests by the public.

Thousands rallied outside the parliament building in Tokyo.

There were a number of arrests.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has a majority in the upper house.

But the major opposition parties are vowing to prevent the vote from taking place before parliament disperses on September 27.

If that happens, the legislation will have to go back to the lower house.