(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
According to close information-sharing among Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (ROK), today, at around 10:43 p.m., the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) forcefully conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology for the purpose of launching a satellite from the Tongchang-ri area in the northwestern coastal region of the DPRK in a southward direction. However, a few minutes after launch, the rocket disappeared in the skies over the Yellow Sea and we estimate that no objects entered into outer space. Japan, the U.S., and the ROK are currently analyzing the details, including the possibility of a failure. The Ministry of Defense (MOD) promptly shared information on this launch within the Government and with the relevant organizations. Information such as damage reports from aircraft or ships has not been confirmed at this time. I immediately reported this matter to the Prime Minister. First, immediately after the launch, the Prime Minister gave me instructions to provide rapid and accurate information to the people of Japan, to continue to gather and analyze information thoroughly, and to cooperate with the U.S. and the ROK, among others, to carry out the necessary response. Following these instructions, I have also issued instructions to make all efforts to gather and analyze the necessary information and to take every possible measure, including vigilance and surveillance activities. In recent years, the DPRK has been launching ballistic missiles and other objects with unprecedented frequency, including some that have passed over Japan, raising tensions on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the region. In addition, the fact that the DPRK has recently conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology again is a grave and imminent threat to Japan’s security, and threatens the peace and security of the region and the international community. It is a serious challenge to the international community as a whole. Furthermore, even if it was for the purpose of a satellite launch, it constitutes a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions that prohibit all launches by the DPRK using ballistic missile technology, and is a grave incident concerning the safety of the people of Japan. In particular, this time, the DPRK forcefully conducted the launch despite being repeatedly called on to stop the launch. It is an act that is extremely problematic from the perspective of securing the safety of our aircraft and ships, and also the residents in the neighboring region. The MOD will continue to make efforts to gather and analyze the relevant information, and carry out every possible vigilance and surveillance measure. We are firmly determined to fully protect the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people of Japan in close cooperation with relevant countries such as the U.S. and the ROK.