Japanese media report Tokyo has ordered Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to intercept North Korean missiles if they're fired toward Japanese territory, waters or airspace.

Tokyo has issued orders to shoot down North Korean missiles three times in the past. However, this is the first time an order has been given before North Korea announced a launch.

Japan appears to be on standby for any contingency as a North Korean missile was reportedly repositioned to the east coast.

Japan has already mobilized an Aegis ship equipped with interceptor missiles in East Sea waters.