It's an order - Japanese bid sayonara, Iraq

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/its-an-order--japanese-bid-sayonara-iraq/2006/06/20/1150701555070.html

JAPAN has issued orders for its troops to be withdrawn from Iraq, ending its controversial mission. It follows the announcement by the Australian Government that its 460 troops would be redeployed.

The Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, said yesterday that "a chapter has been finished" in the war and that by next month the emphasis would shift to an aid program.

"I am glad that the mission can be completed without one bullet being fired and not one person injured," Mr Koizumi is reported to have told the leader of the Komeito party, Takenori Kanzaki.

The widely anticipated withdrawal announcement came after Iraq said it would take responsibility for security in the country's south, where the Japanese contingent has been stationed.