"The new photo satellite [launched in January] can detect objects .6 meters (two feet) in size. The best US spy satellites can make out much smaller objects, but for Japan's needs .6-1 meters is adequate.
"The Japanese program has cost over three billion dollars. Much of this was spent to develop rockets large and reliable enough for satellite work. The latest launch was the 16th consecutive successful use of the locally designed and manufactured H-2A rocket.
"The United States provided a lot of technical assistance on the design and construction of the satellites. Japan built its own rockets to launch them.
Note: H-IIA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H-IIA
(Manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; a derivative of the earlier H-II rocket; always two-staged)