Japan's defense minister orders deployment of missile shield

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Japan's defense minister ordered a deployment of missile interceptors to protect against debris that could fall on its territory in the event of a North Korean rocket launch. Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada issued the order Friday for land-to-air and sea-to-air missiles to be deployed in northern Japan. North Korea has said it will launch a communications satellite April 4-8, and has designated waters off Akita and Iwate prefectures (states) in northern Japan as a risk zone for falling fragments.