Japan launches US style National Security Council

Japan launched on Wednesday a U.S.- style National Security Council (NSC), which is designed to strengthen the leadership of the prime minister's office in steering foreign and defense policies, local media reported. The launch of the organization is seen as one of the main pillars of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to rework the country 's defense posture and strengthen the defense capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces, Kyodo News said. It convenes prime minister, chief Cabinet secretary, foreign, defense ministers twice per month to discuss security issues. Shotaro Yachi, Abe's foreign policy adviser, is expected to serve as its head. The head office, which consists of 60 officials mainly from the Foreign and Defense ministries, will be set up within the Cabinet Secretariat next month. According to the report, it will gather information from ministries and agencies to avoid sectionalism.