Abe Stresses Need for Aegis Ashore in Akita

July 14, 2019

Odate, Akita Pref.- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated on Saturday the government's plan to deploy the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system in the northeastern prefecture of Akita.

"We definitely need Aegis Ashore in order to protect the safety and lives of people. We will conduct thorough research with third parties and experts," Abe said in a campaign speech for the July 21 House of Councillors election, in the city of Odate in Akita.

Japan plans to deploy an Aegis Ashore system each to Akita and the western prefecture of Yamaguchi.

Abe's comment came after poor handling by the Defense Ministry, including erroneous survey data on candidate sites in Akita for the deployment of the Aegis Ashore system.

The ministry's research for the deployment "lacked concentration" and was "inappropriate," Abe said. "It is utterly regrettable and inexcusable. I apologize to people in Akita from the bottom of my heart."

Abe indicated the government's readiness to provide full explanations to the people of Akita, saying, "We cannot push ahead with national security policy unless we earn support from people in related areas and across the country." Jiji Press