〔動画〕Japanese Navy Ship Travels to Battle Somali Pirates

Japanese Navy Ship Travels to Battle Somali Pirates

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeNCPt-sj8Q

Japan dispatched its first navy vessel under the country's new anti-piracy laws on Monday. It will join international patrols in preventing more pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia.

The naval destroyer "Harusame" left the Yokosuka Naval base in the outskirts of Tokyo early on Monday morning heading for the Gulf of Aden. Japanese defense minister Yasukazu Hamada visited the base along with many local residents and family members of boarding sailors to send off the ship.

Japan already has two naval destroyers escorting ships in the Gulf of Aden. Harusame and one other destroyer are being sent to replace those patrolling there now. A new law allows Japanese navy vessels to protect ships that have no connection with Japan.

Due to the change in the mission, people who came to see off their family members showed some signs of worry.