The number of Japanese nationals in Iraq rose to 40 as of Sunday morning, after three Japanese entered the country from Jordan, the Foreign Ministry said.
Senior Vice Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the government is trying to dissuade people from entering Iraq to serve as "human shields" in protest of the U.S.-led war in the country.
According to the ministry, the tally comprises 19 journalists, both freelance and those belonging to news organizations; 15 individuals, including members of citizens' groups; and six members of Peace Winds Japan, a nongovernmental organization.