(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, during the 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. hour, North Korea launched several ballistic missiles off its east coast in a northeast direction. While details are currently being analyzed in close cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea (ROK), it is estimated that one of the ballistic missiles launched was fired at around 9:20 a.m. today, had an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers and a flight distance of approximately 800 kilometers, and fell into the Sea of Japan east of the Korean Peninsula, outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This ballistic missile may have flown on an irregular trajectory, and the analysis is ongoing. The Government has provided information to vessels and aircraft navigating in the vicinity, and at this time, there are no reports of damage or other confirmed information. We immediately informed the Prime Minister of this incident. In response, the Prime Minister issued the following three instructions: 1. dedicate maximum effort to gather and analyze information, and provide the public speedy and adequate information; 2. ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets; and 3. take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies. In response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, at the Ministry of Defense, I have issued the following two instructions: 1. make every effort to gather and analyze information in close cooperation with the U.S. and the ROK, and 2. continue to take all possible measures to conduct surveillance in readiness for the occurrence of contingencies. The series of actions by North Korea, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles to date, threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. Furthermore, such ballistic missile launches violate the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and are a serious issue that concerns the safety of the people. Japan has lodged a strong protest against North Korea and strongly condemned its actions. To resolutely protect the lives and property of the people, Japan will continue to cooperate with the U.S., the ROK, and other countries, and will make every effort to gather and analyze information, and to conduct surveillance. Going forward, if we receive any additional information that should be made public, we will do so promptly.