Japan is considering stepping up its participation in international peacekeeping operations, including a possible dispatch of personnel to Sudan, Masahiko Koumura, the foreign minister, told the Financial Times.

Mr Koumura, who moved to his present post from the defence ministry, said: "We believe that, compared to Japan's capabilities and strengths as a country, there is more room to make an effort in peacekeeping operations. Sudan is one candidate," he said, adding that discussions were at an early stage and there were several other possibilities.