In pictures: Japanese troops in Iraq

1 of 6 An advance team of Japanese troops visits the southern Iraqi town of Samawa - to the delight of these young children.

2 of 6 It is the first contingent of a Japanese force which will eventually number about 1,000.

3 of 6 Japanese commander Masahisa Sato and his troops will spend much of their time rebuilding local schools.

4 of 6 Samawa residents say they welcome the deployment - here young Iraqi men shake hands with two soldiers.

5 of 6 The troops' visit also attracted a large media contingent...

6 of 6 ... but Japan's biggest foreign deployment since World War II faces continuing opposition back in Tokyo.