Defense Agency chief Gen Nakatani on Sunday ruled out any imminent plans for Japan to join the newly proposed U.S. missile defense initiative.
"Currently, (Japan is) engaged in joint technical research on the theater missile defense system with the United States . . . but the initiative (refers to) what the U.S. is doing by itself, and at the moment, Japan will not take part in it," Nakatani told a TV Asahi program.
In reference to his upcoming visit to the United States, he said Japan will "decide from a comprehensive standpoint" how to deal with the U.S. missile defense initiative "after thoroughly listening to the U.S. explanation" on its objective, design and cost, among other things.