(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, during the 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. hour, North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles off its west coast in an east 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 the ballistic missiles fell into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Both ballistic missiles may have flown on an irregular trajectory, and the analysis is ongoing. The first one was fired at around 7:54 a.m., had a maximum altitude of approximately 50 kilometers and a flight distance of approximately 900 kilometers. The second one was fired at around 8:05 a.m. and had a maximum altitude of approximately 50 kilometers and a flight distance of approximately 950 kilometers. 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 with information in a timely and appropriate manner, 2. ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets, and 3. take all possible measures for precaution, including readiness for contingencies. Additionally, in response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, I have issued the following two instructions: 1. make every effort to gather and analyze information in close cooperation with the U.S., the ROK, and other countries, and 2. continue to take all possible measures to conduct surveillance in readiness for the occurrence of contingencies. At this time, there are no reports of damage from aircraft and vessels or other confirmed information. 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. Regarding the launches, Japan has lodged a strong protest against North Korea through the embassy route in Beijing and strongly condemned its actions. To resolutely protect the lives and property of the people, the Ministry of Defense will continue to cooperate closely with the U.S., the ROK, and other countries, and will make every effort to gather and analyze information and to conduct surveillance.