I don't know much about Japanese politics either but know that a scalp has been taken I hope that Japan maintains its military presence in Afghanistan. Japan maintaining its military presence in Afghanistan serves two purposes . The first is that other issues aside it is important to maintain the broad international nature of the coalition that is taking part in Afghan operations. The other thing to consider is that Japan is just starting to play a greater role in the global security stakes and it would be counter productive if a step was taken backwards in this regard.