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The Japanese Government has announced plans to buy an American-made missile defence shield in a decision prompted by North Korea.
The multi-billion-dollar missile defence system will allow Japan to shoot down incoming ballistic missiles from both land and sea.
In 1998 North Korea test-fired a multi-stage rocket across the Japanese archipelago.
Some experts have questioned whether the system will be effective, but Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda says it is the only effective way of countering a ballistic missile attack.
The top government spokesman also says the shield is compatible with Japan's pacifist constitution.
It is still a controversial decision and could upset Japan's neighbours, China in particular.
