(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, at around 3:00 p.m., North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile off its east coast in a northeasterly direction. While the details are currently being analyzed in close cooperation between Japan, the United States (U.S.), and the Republic of Korea (ROK), it is estimated that the ballistic missile that was launched had a maximum altitude of approximately 60 kilometers and a flight distance of approximately 440 kilometers and fell into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 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. At the Ministry of Defense (MOD), in response to the Prime Minister’s instructions, I issued the following two instructions by the Minister of Defense: 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 stage, there are no reports of damage from aircraft or vessels. 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 today’s launch, Japan has lodged a strong protest against North Korea through the embassy route in Beijing and strongly condemned it. To resolutely protect the lives and property of the people, the MOD 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.
I would like to report on one more matter today; our response in relation to the typhoon. Currently, Typhoon No. 25 is approaching, and the Eastern Army Headquarters and Eastern Army Military Intelligence in Camp Asaka have enhanced their information gathering systems and are maintaining a state of full readiness to ensure the swift responses that will be necessary as the situation develops. We will continue to respond to the situation with a sense of urgency. This concludes my two announcements today.