Japan is considering deploying the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to defend against possible attacks from North Korea, local media reported Tuesday.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani made the announcement during a state visit to Hawaii where he met with numerous high ranking U.S. military officials.

“We want to speed up our study of advanced activities and equipment of the United States,” Nakatani told reporters in comments carried by Japan’s Mainichi news outlet.

North Korean state media often mentions Japan, with threats and insults over potential defense agreements with the U.S. and South Korea a common theme.