Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group
The Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group,[6][7] also known as the Japan Self-Defense Forces Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group (自衛隊イラク復興支援群, Jietai Iraku Fukkou Shiengun), was a battalion-sized, largely humanitarian contingent of the Japan Self-Defense Forces that was sent to Samawah, Southern Iraq in early January 2004 and withdrawn by late July 2006. However, the last JASDF forces left Kuwait on December 18, 2008. Approximately 5,500 Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force members were present in Samawah between 2004 and 2006.[8]
Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group
January 19, 2004 (Established)
February 3, 2004 (Activated) – July 18, 2006 (Disbanded for JGSDF forces)
2004–2008 (Disbanded for JASDF forces)[1]
Battalion
Humanitarian
600
Under command of the JGSDF
Colonel Masahisa Sato[2](January 16, 2004 - February 27, 2004)
Colonel Koichiro Bansho[3] (February 27, 2004 – May 26, 2004)
Colonel Yuki Imaura (May 8, 2004 – ?) [4]
Colonel Masato Taura (June 25, 2004 - ?)[5]
Their duties had included tasks such as water purification, reconstruction and reestablishment of public facilities, including medical facilities known as Public Health Centers,[9] for the Iraqi people.[10] While legally required to remain within noncombat zones, GSDF records revealed that Japanese troops were present in areas of active hostilities.[8]
Background[edit]
The Koizumi administration originally ordered the controversial formation and deployment of the JIRSG at the request of the United States. This marks a significant turning point in Japan's history, as it represents the first foreign deployment of Japanese troops since the end of World War II, excluding those deployments conducted under United Nations auspices. Public opinion regarding the deployment was sharply divided, especially given that Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan prohibits the use of military forces unless for self-defence purposes (operating in Iraq seemed, at best, tenuously connected to that mission).
In order to legalize the deployment of Japanese forces in Samawah, the Koizumi administration legislated the Humanitarian Relief and Iraqi Reconstruction Special Measures Law on December 9, 2003, in the Diet, even though the opposition firmly opposed it.
Two Japanese diplomats were shot and killed near Tikrit, Iraq on November 29, 2003, while preparations for the deployment were in their final stages.[11]
In early April 2004, three Japanese- a journalist and two aid workers- were kidnapped, but they were released several days later on April 15.[12] The following day, another two Japanese- an aid worker and a journalist- were kidnapped and released within 24 hours.[13] The kidnappers of the original three had threatened to burn the hostages alive if Japanese troops were not removed from Iraq within three days. A spokeswoman for the Islamic Clerics Committee, which negotiated their release, said that growing public calls in Japan for the SDF troops to be withdrawn from Iraq led to the release of three Japanese.
In a statement released on July 20, 2004, Al Zarqawi warned Japan, Poland and Bulgaria to withdraw their troops, demanding that the Japanese government: '...do what the Philippines has done...', and threatening that: 'Lines of cars laden with explosives are awaiting you...' if the demands were not met.[14]
The body of a Japanese backpacker, Shosei Koda, was found in Baghdad on October 30, 2004, several days after he had been kidnapped. His captors had promised to execute him unless Japanese troops were withdrawn. According to Channel NewsAsia, the killing renewed domestic pressure on Prime Minister Koizumi to bring the contingent home.[15]
One Japanese private security guard, Akihiko Saito, was killed in an ambush on his convoy on May 25, 2005.[16]