The House of Representatives approved a two-year extension of the Air Self-Defense Forces' transport mission in Iraq on Tuesday, overcoming criticism of Japan's involvement in the increasingly unpopular war.
The measure was easily passed in the Lower House, where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling bloc holds a majority. The government has argued that the mission is needed to help stabilize Iraq and prevent the spread of terrorism.
Japan backed the U.S.-led Iraq invasion and provided troops for a 2004-2006 noncombat, humanitarian mission in southern Iraq. Last year it expanded its Kuwait-based operations to airlift U.N. and coalition personnel and supplies into Baghdad.