Pyongyang has insisted its plans involve the launch of a satellite into space, but Japan, South Korea and the United States believe the North Korean government is preparing to test its Taepodong-2 missile, which could theoretically reach Alaska.
Kyoto newsagency reports that Japan is considering sending two destroyers to the Sea of Japan, both of which are armed with SM-3 missiles which are designed to intercept and destroy other missiles.
Tokyo has warned North Korea in the strongest terms against proceeding with a test launch of the Taepodong-2, amid concerns it may land on Japanese territory or pass through Japanese airspace.
"If there's a possibility that an object could lose control and drop on Japan, the object becomes our target, including a satellite," said Defence Minister Yasukazu Hamada.
"It's only natural for us to deal with it."
Prime Minister Taro Aso said on Monday that a North Korean rocket launch, even one carrying a satellite, would lead to United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea.
A North Korean missile test ten years ago caused alarm in Japan when it passed over Japanese territory.
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