Japan says "we're not leaving"

Reuters is reporting that:

• Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi appeared on Monday to have won public backing for his refusal to pull Japanese troops out of Iraq despite the weekend beheading of a Japanese hostage.
• But the killing of 24-year-old backpacker Shosei Koda has re-ignited debate over whether Tokyo should extend the troops' mission when their mandate expires in December.

In other words, Japan is leaving a back door option for themselves should John Kerry win the election, as it seems to me that PM Koizumi is more than willing to stand with President Bush.