The Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean ended Friday, upon the expiration of the relevant law. The mission was in support of U.S.-led antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan that began in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
Instead, the Hatoyama administration has opted to increase direct aid to Afghanistan. It has pledged up to $5 billion in civilian aid over five years, a substantial contribution toward improving the welfare of the Afghan people.
The refueling mission was aimed at helping foreign naval vessels intercept ships carrying weapons for terrorists or smuggling narcotics on behalf of the Taliban. It has had very real costs. It has been reported that 16 MSDF members have committed suicide after taking part in the mission. The government should investigate the details of the MSDF's activities, and those of the ships refueled by the Japanese force.