Japan warships to leave on anti-piracy mission
Japanese warships are to leave on an anti-piracy mission off Somalia, in an operation that could see Japan's armed forces face combat abroad for the first time since World War II. The two destroyers -- the 4,650-tonne Sazanami and 4,550-tonne Samidare -- are set to leave the port of Kure, western Hiroshima prefecture, following a ceremony to be attended by Prime Minister Taro Aso and Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada.
Japan has started its anti-piracy mission off Somalia, the defense minister said Tuesday, an operation in which Japan's military could engage in combat abroad for the first time since World War II.