After a send-off ceremony in Tokyo, about 30 members of the ground force were expected to leave for southeastern Iraq, where they will act as scouts for a force that could include up to 1, 000 troops.

CNN: Japan ground troops set to leave

If you are visiting Phuket specifically for the festival, you will not want to miss the closing ceremony - the final send-off to the gods.

BBC: Phuket's Vegetarian Festival