 |
 | This article needs to be updated. (January 2024) |
| Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group | |
|---|---|
| Active | January 19, 2004 (Established) February 3, 2004 (Activated) – July 18, 2006 (Disbanded for JGSDF forces) 2004–2008 (Disbanded for JASDF forces)[1] |
| Country |  Japan |
| Type | Battalion |
| Role | Humanitarian |
| Size | 600 |
| Part of | Under command of the JGSDF |
| Garrison/HQ | Samawah, Iraq |
| Commanders | |
| 1st Commander | Colonel Masahisa Sato[2](January 16, 2004 - February 27, 2004) |
| 2nd Commander | Colonel Koichiro Bansho[3] (February 27, 2004 – May 26, 2004) |
| 3rd Commander | Colonel Yuki Imaura (May 8, 2004 – ?) [4] |
| 4th Commander | Colonel Masato Taura (June 25, 2004 - ?)[5] |
| Insignia | |
| Sleeve patch |  |
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contingent of the Japan Self-Defense Forces that was sent to Samawah, Southern Iraq in early January 2004 and withdrawn by late July 2006.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]
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]
- ^ "防衛省・自衛隊：防衛省ウェブサイトのＨｔｔｐｓへの切り替えのお知らせ" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-07-29. Retrieved 2021-07-02.
- ^ "Profile of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahisa SATO". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ^ "Iraq commander noted for cool-headed decisions". The Japan Times Online. 2004-02-02. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ^ "Replacements ship out to Iraq". The Japan Times Online. 2004-05-09. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ^ "Colonel Masato Taura of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces , head of..." Getty Images. 25 June 2004. Retrieved 2020-02-19.
- ^ Fresh troops for southern Iraq. Archived 2007-09-01 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on December 5, 2008.
- ^ Australia Deploys More Troops to Iraq. Retrieved on December 4, 2008.
- ^ a b Kato, Masaya (April 17, 2018). "SDF logs cast doubt over legality of Japan's Iraq mission". Nikkei Asian Review.
- ^ "自衛隊の活動".
- ^ Prime Minister Koizumi Encourages Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) to be Dispatched to Iraq. Retrieved on January 27, 2008.