Prime Minister Shinzo Abe kicked off a study panel Friday tasked with establishing a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, vowing to enhance the flow of information and consolidate command under the prime minister's office.
Citing the increasingly threatening security situation surrounding Japan, Abe said it is important to set up an office to manage everyday security situations strategically under his leadership.
"I would like to create an environment that allows strong political leadership to react swiftly to numerous issues surrounding our national security," Abe said at the start of the meeting.