Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force -- or GSDF -- has partially opened its military exercises to the media. These exercises cover two kinds of U.N. peacekeeping missions Japan might undertake in South Sudan from November.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force -- or GSDF -- has partially opened its military exercises to the media. These exercises cover two kinds of U.N. peacekeeping missions Japan might undertake in South Sudan from November.

The missions were authorized by security legislation that took effect in March. The operations in northeastern Japan have stirred controversy in the country. They could draw its defense forces into military action for the first time since World War II.

GSDF members have also been given more leeway in using weapons, previously limited to self defense and dealing with emergencies. Over 1,000 people gathered in protest in the northeastern city of Misawa.