The Japanese Upper House on Monday began discussions on the country's security bills.
The proposed legislation would expand the overseas role of Japan's Self-Defence Forces and enable the country to exercise its right to collective self-defence, NHK news agency reported.
The Lower House passed the bills on July 16.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is attending the discussions.
If the Upper House fails to put the bills to a vote within 60 days after receiving them, then the Lower House can enact them in another vote with a two-thirds majority.
However, ruling party lawmakers say they hope the bills will be passed without their resorting to such an action.
Meanwhile, opposition party officials are hoping to block the bills' passage by pointing out problems with the proposed legislation and by appealing to the public.