Special Forces Group (Japan)

Japanese Special Forces Group
Official Japanese Special Operations Group Flag
Active	March 27, 2004–present
Country	Japan
Branch	Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Type	Special Forces
Role	Special operations Direct Action Airborne assault Unconventional Warfare Reconnaisance Domestic and International Counter-Terrorism
Size	Classified
Part of	Central Readiness Force
Garrison/HQ	Narashino Garrison, Funabashi, Chiba
Nickname(s)	SFGp/Special Forces Group (New Name) TSG (In Japanese) SOG/Special Operations Group (Old Name)
Engagements	Iraqi occupation
Commanders
Current commander	Takanori Hirata (Colonel)
Insignia
Identification symbol	SFGp Pin Badge

The Japanese Special Forces Group (特殊作戦群, Tokushusakusengun^?) is the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's counter-terrorist unit established by the former Japanese Defense Agency to counter terrorist activities and deter guerrilla-style attacks on Japanese soil and to conduct military operations, like the 1st Airborne Brigade, against guerrillas or enemy commandos. The unit is based in Narashino, Chiba garrison in Funabashi, Chiba with the 1st Airborne Brigade. The unit was formerly known as the Special Operations Group.

The SFGp has been referred to as Japan's Delta Force, due to their specialized role in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Delta Force personnel had been responsible for assisting the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in raising the SFGp's foundations prior to its establishment.

The civilian counterpart of the SFGp is the Japan National Police Agency's Special Assault Team.

In 1998, the Japan Defense Agency had proposed the formation of a unit in the JGSDF that would handle tasks such as counter-terrorism with a selected group of JGSDF soldiers from the 1st Airborne Brigade sent to the United States to be trained by Delta Force operators. At the same time, two platoons were created from the brigade as a means of creating the unit's foundations. These consist of the G Platoon (Formation Unit) and the S Platoon (Research Unit).