The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force conducts a drill to deploy Patriot Advanced Capability-3 ballistic missile interceptors in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, on March 5, 2020, three days after North Korea launched two projectiles, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles. (Kyodo)

LOS ANGELES - This summer has been notable for Japan's missile and missile defense policy. On June 25, Defense Minister Taro Kono announced the cancellation of the planned acquisition and deployment of the Aegis Ashore land-based missile defense system. Around the same time, the Liberal Democratic Party established a study team looking at whether Japan should adopt enemy base strike capabilities. Officials will reportedly set a new policy direction in September that could cover missile strike capabilities and the potential for integrated air and missile defense.