Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group
| 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) |
| Country |
 Japan
|
| Type | Battalion |
| Role | Humanitarian |
| Size | 600 |
| Part of | Under command of the JGSDF |
| Garrison/HQ | Samawah, Iraq |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
See Commanders |
| Insignia | |
| Sleeve patch |  |
The Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group or 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) refers to 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contingent of the Japan Self-Defense Forces that was sent to Samawah, Southern Iraq in early January 2004 and withdrawn by late July 2006.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.
Their duties had included tasks such as water purification, reconstruction and reestablishment of public facilities for the Iraqi people.
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.
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