The Japanese government is reportedly paying approximately 10 billion yen to Iraqi tribal leaders to provide bodyguards for the Self-defense Forces in Iraq.
More at -
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content...at=1&id=286241
This is kinda funny, a military paying people to protect them from attack. However, I know the use of military is very sensitive in Japan and any deaths would cause quite a stir.