The Japanese cabinet has approved a plan to send troops to Iraq to clear the way for what could be the biggest and most dangerous overseas mission by its military since World War Two.
Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa told reporters the decision had been made at a specially convened cabinet meeting.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will give a news conference shortly, explaining the contents and justification for the controversial step, which some critics say violates the pacifist constitution.
Mr Koizumi has had to balance Japan's tight security ties with the United States, which is keen for the deployment of troops, with domestic concerns that increased after the killing of two Japanese diplomats in Iraq late last month.