Patriot missile launchers have been deployed to several spots in Tokyo and northeast Japan in preparation for the launch of a North Korean rocket that Japan fears might fail and damage its territory.
It is the first time Japan has attempted to fully mobilize the missile shield system since it began building it in conjunction with the United States in 2003.
"Fire units" capable of launching Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles left Iruma Air Base in Saitama Prefecture for locations in and around the capital on Friday.