'The members of the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force have been with the coalition forces since the onset of the conflict,' said Major General Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding general for operations.

With a small contingent left to carry out an air support mission, Japan flew in goods and personnel in support of the US-led coalition.

'This was a very valuable experience,' said Sergeant Major Takeshi Yamada, Japan's operations coordinator, also quoted in a US military statement. 'This is a good experience for young soldiers who will be deploying overseas again.'

The departure ceremony took place at Faw palace, one of executed dictator Saddam's former palaces, at Camp Victory near Baghdad international airport.

The Japanese contingent on the ground was last deployed in Samawa, southern Iraq, where it supplied water, rebuilt schools and roads, and provided medical aid up until 2006.

Japan's logistics mission then carried out 800 flights, transporting 46,000 passengers and 600 tonnes of goods between Baghdad and southern Iraq, according to the US military.

Troops were sent to Iraq in 2004 by then prime minister Junichiro Koizumi after the March 2003 invasion, marking the first time that Japan deployed armed forces to a country where fighting was underway since 1945.

Japan has been officially pacifist since its defeat in World War II.

The end of the air mission in Iraq was ordered on November 28, winding up a four-year deployment which involved 600 troops.

The mission, which was deeply unpopular with the Japanese public, was Japan's last remaining military operation in Iraq after the country ended its landmark ground deployment in 2006.

'Japan will continue to support Iraq through measures such as yen-denominated loans and technological cooperation,' Prime Minister Taro Aso has said.

The government is now expected to focus on extending an Indian Ocean naval mission providing refuelling support to the US-led military operations in Afghanistan. -- AFP