Since 1991 , the JSDF has conducted international activities to provide support for peacekeeping missions and disaster relief efforts as well as to help prevent conflict and terrorism . Particularly humanitarian aid such as helping the victims of the 1995 Kobe earthquake and humanitarian , reconstruction assistance in Iraq ( 2003 till 2009 ) . In 1992 a law was passed to permit the JSDF to participate in UN Peacekeeping missions
Kobe earthquake
Great Hanshin earthquake
Military history of Japan