Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said Monday that Japan will invite tribal leaders of the southern Iraqi city of Samawah to Tokyo "to exchange opinions."
Good relations with local tribal leaders are considered key for the safety of the Ground Self-Defense Force troops conducting humanitarian work in Samawah.
Japanese casualties could deal a severe political blow to the administration of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who gave the go-ahead for the Iraqi mission despite concerns over security.
About 40 tribes reportedly live in and around Samawah, where their leaders exert great influence.
Fukuda declined comment on the timing or number of visitors.
The Monday evening edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the government plans to invite the first batch of tribal leaders in April.
