Japan has deployed missile batteries in its heaving capital to defend the 30 million people who live in the greater Tokyo area from any North Korean attack.
Here are some key facts about Japan's ability to protect itself.
WHAT IS JAPAN'S MILITARY CAPABILITY?
Japan's Self Defense Forces have a total of approximately 250,000 full time service personnel. As of March 2012, Japan had 143 military vessels and 420 combat aircraft. It spends around $50 billion on its military every year, equivalent to around one percent of Gross Domestic Product.
The military is well-equipped, well-trained and makes use of technology.
Japan is also host to around 47,000 US military service personnel, who have with them a large amount of military hardware.
South Korea has deployed two Aegis destroyers, one off each coast, equipped with advance radar warning systems to track any missile launch.
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