Japan’s NHK says the Japanese government is looking into initiating a defense system against a possible missile launch by North Korea.

The Japanese broadcaster reported that the government is studying two possible scenarios, both related to intercepting the missile should the North launch it toward Japan.

The Defense Minister could order Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to intercept the missile after gaining Cabinet approval, or the Defense Minister could decide himself to give advance permission to the Self-Defense Forces for a missile interception.

The report added that related government officials will carry out detailed discussions regarding Pyongyang’s missile launch within this month.

The Japanese government also said that although Pyongyang has informed international organizations of its plan to launch a satellite between April fourth and eighth, Tokyo believes the announcement is a guise for a long-range ballistic missile launch.