In pictures: Japanese troops in Iraq

1 of 6 Japanese troops are highly visible in the southern Iraqi town of Samawa, but so far there are only about 100 in the city. Another 400-500 troops are set to arrive over the next few weeks.

2 of 6 They are currently staying at the Dutch base, Camp Smitty, until their own base is set up about 6km (4 miles) out of town.

3 of 6 This means that the Dutch troops can take advantage of the 40 vehicles - including armoured personnel carriers - that the Japanese have airlifted to Iraq.

4 of 6 US Undersecretary of Defence Dov Zakheim made a surprise visit to the base to welcome the Japanese contingent to Iraq - describing their presence as "a major step for Japan".

5 of 6 The Japanese troops' mission is purely non-combat. Their aim is to rebuild schools, purify water and help provide medical care in the impoverished desert city.

6 of 6 A leading Shia cleric of Samawa has called on his followers to help the Japanese soldiers in their efforts to reconstruct the city.