TOKYO: Japan's maritime forces have begun to depart for the Indian Ocean.

It's to restart its mission to provide fuel and water for the US-led multinational forces in their fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.

The mission is controversial in Japan, as many are not in favour of participating in conflict, even though it's an indirect one.

Defence Minister Shigeru Ishiba said: "Japan will serve the best interest for the nation and will fulfil its global responsibilities. This mission is highly appreciated abroad. Our men will fulfil their missions."

Nobutaka Machimura, Chief Cabinet Secretary, said: "Japan can once again be able to participate in the war on terrorism and carry out our duty as a responsible member of the international community. In that regard, you are going to fulfil a very sublime duty."

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was also among those sending off the 340 crew members of the Murasame.

The ship will support the refueling vessel, Oumi which will leave Sasebo Port in Nagasaki on Friday.

By mid-February, they are expected to resume refueling of US, Pakistani and other ships on anti-terrorism missions.

The Japanese government first enacted the bill to allow such missions in 2001.

Just a few months after the September 11 attacks in the US, Japanese maritime forces sailed off to the Indian Ocean to back the US-led mission in Afghanistan.

The mission has been extended several times.

But the road to restart the operation this time was not easy.

The opposition camp in control of the upper house opposed the bill when it expired in November 2007.

But it was overturned by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito using their two-thirds majority in the lower house.

The measure the ruling coalition took in order to enact the bill was not necessarily seen favourably by the Japanese public.

According to a number of surveys, around 40 per cent said they're for, while 40 percent said they're against.

If the ruling coalition were to take similar measures to enforce another bill, 50 per cent said they're against it, according to the latest poll conducted by Mainichi Newspaper.

There's speculation that the ruling coalition may try to override the upper house decision again, this time on keeping the current gasoline tax. -CNA/vm