The defense chiefs of Japan and South Korea on Wednesday presented slightly differing views on how to deal with the issue of North Korea's nuclear development.
During a meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Cho Young Kil, Defense Agency chief Shigeru Ishiba stressed that "pressure is necessary" in addition to diplomatic efforts, according to agency officials who briefed reporters.
In response, Cho said it was imperative to be calm, "have patience" and try to prevent North Korea from making any rash military decisions, the officials said.
He was also quoted as saying that he understands the importance Tokyo places on resolving the issue of Pyongyang's abduction of Japanese nationals.
Meanwhile, the two also discussed Iraq reconstruction efforts and the deteriorating security situation there.
South Korea has ground troops in Nasiriyah, while Japan says it will send troops to noncombat zones to assist the rebuilding.
While Ishiba reiterated that there was no change in Japan's plans to send Self-Defense Forces units to Iraq, he added that the timing of the dispatch and details of what troops would do will not be decided until the return of an SDF inspection team.