The DPRK is expected to launch its satellite as early as Thursday - the start of a five-day window set for the launch. The Japanese chief cabinet secretary said the country will cooperate with other countries to pressure DPRK to give up the mission and will respond as necessary.

Japan prepared for DPRK launch.

Japanese chief cabinet secretary Osamu Fujimura said, "Starting tomorrow, we will be entering the North's planned rocket launch period. We will be asking North Korea to refrain from any action that may disrupt regional peace and stability, and will be cooperating with relevant countries in urging North Korea to refrain from the launch up to the very last minute. At the same time, we will be doing everything we can to respond when necessary if they launch."

Osamu also said that Japan had set up a special task force ahead of The DPRK's planned launch. Along with Japan - South Korea, the US and the UK have also opposed the launch, calling it a front for a ballistic missile test. For its part, The DPRK has invited foreign journalists to visit its launch pad and the satellite control center, in an attempt to prove its case.

Japanese state media reported that Japan had deployed troops in Okinawa to deal with any possible wreckage from the rocket.