A leading Japanese daily says Japan is considering keeping Patriot missiles downtown Tokyo at all times to intercept North Korean missiles in case of emergency.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun said Friday that Japan’s Defense Ministry is considering the continued deployment of Patriot missiles that were placed within the ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo on April ninth.

In the past, Japan has placed Patriot missiles downtown Tokyo every time signs emerged of a North Korean missile launch. However, it sent back the missiles to Self Defense Force units in the metropolitan area.

The daily said the Japanese Defense Ministry does not completely believe reports that the North has pulled out nine missiles it deployed along its east coast.