Controversial legislation that could see Japanese troops fight overseas for the first time since World War II was approved early Friday by a special committee of the upper house of parliament, Jiji news agency said.

The move came despite fierce opposition both from lawmakers and thousands of protesters outside parliament in Tokyo.

Under the planned changes, the military -- known as the Self-Defense Forces -- would have the option of going into battle to protect allies such as the United States even if there was no direct threat to Japan itself or its people.