The government said Friday it will go ahead with plans to introduce a contentious U.S.-developed ballistic missile defense system to protect Japan from attack, such as from North Korea.
The decision comes amid criticism that the project will cost taxpayers several hundred billion yen but there has not been sufficient discussion on the future course of Japan's security policy.
The decision is based on the government's recognition that the "(proposed) missile defense system has reached technical maturity" and "its introduction suits Japan's security policy, which is strictly limited to defense," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said.