Image of Asia: Protests as Japan's security law takes effect
In this photo by Eugene Hoshiko, people hold placards that read "Repeal War Law" during a protest in front of Japan's Parliament against a security law that took effect Tuesday. The law loosens constraints on Japan's military that were imposed after World War II and allows its troops to engage in overseas conflicts for reasons other than self-defense. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the law would help reinforce Japan's contribution to international cooperation. The protesters and opposition politicians at the rally asked for the law to be scrapped and for Abe's administration to step down.