Japan joins anti-piracy patrols

Jan 28 - The Japanese navy will take part in international anti-piracy controls off of Somalia.

Japan has spent months deliberating over their decision to send in naval forces to join others from the United States, India, Russia and the European Union.

In order not to breach their pacifist constitution they will primarily protect Japanese vessels or those that are carrying Japanese cargo and crew.

The Japanese government is considering introducing a new laws permitting them to protect foreign vessels and allowing them to use weapons beyond self-defense.