Bird Identification: CLOSED: Need help in identifying raptor, 4 by kawasemi

kawasemi wrote:
Fellow bird lovers,
Was out this morning 12/29/14 and saw a bird of prey. Managed only a few (not so clear) shots before it flew off. So far, I have been unable to clearly identify it, so am hoping one of you could help. Shots were taken in Fukuoka, Japan at an elevation of around 300 meters in mixed evergreen/deciduous forest interspersed with small, open fields. Sorry, no frontal shots of breast, and head is unclear. It seems the iris is reddish but it may appear so due to shadow. Perhaps the spots on it's back, it's legs, and tail will help in identification. It flew of in level flight with regular wing beats. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Kawasemi