Japanese army to join US war on Afghanistan

The Japanese parliament has approved new laws allowing the country’s army to join the United States’ so-called "war on terrorism".

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has championed the legislation as a way for Japan to make a meaningful contribution to the war on Afghanistan.

The package of measures limits Japan’s contribution to a non-military role, in keeping with the nation’s pacifist constitution.

It allows the military to transport supplies, conduct search-and-rescue missions and to dispatch medical teams to support US forces and their allies.