The Air Self-Defense Force was engaged in a transportation mission in Iraq from March 2004 to December 2008 under a special law to provide humanitarian assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq. Details of the mission were unknown.
Only since the Democratic Party of Japan took over the reins of power has the Defense Ministry disclosed detailed data in response to requests under the Freedom of Information Law.
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said that although sensitive military secrets should not be made public, the government should publicly disclose as much information as possible. It is hoped that the government will uphold this thinking. Information disclosure is indispensable for effective civilian control of the Self-Defense Forces.