(2)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

(2)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - File photo shows Col. Koichiro Bansho, who will head the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to be sent to Iraq to assist in the country's postwar reconstruction.

(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba (L) presents the colors to Col. Koichiro Bansho, head of the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to take part in Iraq's reconstruction, in a ceremony at the GSDF garrison in Asahikawa on Feb. 2. The first batch of the 550-strong unit is due to leave for the southern Iraqi city of Samawah on Feb. 3.

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

SASEBO, Japan - Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSD) Aegis ship Kongou (L) and destroyer Sawagiri are berthed at MSD Sasebo Base on Nov. 16, 2001, as the government approved a basic plan for Japan's nonbombat support for U.S.-led war on terrorism.

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

(5)Japan approves support plan for U.S.-led strikes

SASEBO, Japan - Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSD) Aegis ship Kongou (L) and destroyer Sawagiri are berthed at MSD Sasebo Base on Nov. 16, 2001, as the government approved a basic plan for Japan's nonbombat support for U.S.-led war on terrorism.

(2)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

(2)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - File photo shows Col. Koichiro Bansho, who will head the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to be sent to Iraq to assist in the country's postwar reconstruction. (Kyodo)

(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

(1)Colors handed to head of GSDF core unit

ASAHIKAWA, Japan - Defense Agency Director General Shigeru Ishiba (L) presents the colors to Col. Koichiro Bansho, head of the core contingent of Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) nonbombat troops to take part in Iraq's reconstruction, in a ceremony at the GSDF garrison in Asahikawa on Feb. 2. The first batch of the 550-strong unit is due to leave for the southern Iraqi city of Samawah on Feb. 3. (Kyodo)