North Korea Missile Launch Update

Yes.

Are you all right? Yes.

At around 3 p.m. today, North Korea

launched at least one ballistic missile

from near its east coast, toward the

northeast.

Details are currently being analyzed

in close coordination among Japan,

the U.S., and South Korea.

The ballistic missile launched

reached an approximate maximum

altitude of 60 kilometers and flew

about 440 kilometers. It is believed

to have fallen outside Japan's

exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan.

The Prime Minister was briefed on this

matter immediately. He issued three

instructions: make every effort to

collect and analyze information,

provide the public with prompt and

accurate information, thoroughly

confirm the safety of aircraft and

vessels, and prepare for unforeseen

circumstances by maintaining a full

state of readiness.

These were his three instructions.

At the Ministry of Defense,

the Defense Minister, following the

Prime Minister's instructions, directed

close coordination with the U.S. and

South Korea, and every effort to

collect and analyze information.

He also ordered preparations for

unforeseen circumstances and continued

thorough surveillance and monitoring.

Those were his two instructions.

As of now,

there have been no reports of damage

from aircraft or vessels, nor any

related information has been confirmed.

Including the repeated launches of

ballistic missiles and other weapons,

North Korea's actions as a whole

threaten the peace and security of

Japan, the region, and the

international community.

Furthermore, such

ballistic missile launches

violate relevant Security Council

resolutions and pose a serious threat

to the safety of the public.

Regarding this launch,

Japan lodged a stern protest with

North Korea through the embassy channel

in Beijing and strongly condemned it.

The Ministry of Defense will continue

to do everything possible to protect

the lives and property of the public.

We will continue working closely with

the U.S., South Korea, and others,

making every effort to gather and

analyze information, and to conduct

surveillance and monitoring.

There is one more item today.

I would like to report on our response

to the typhoon.

Typhoon No. 25 is currently

approaching.

The Eastern Army Headquarters at

Asaka Garrison and the Eastern Army Intelligence Unit are gathering information

We are strengthening the collective framework,

and, in response to developments within the Self-Defense Forces,

we maintain a fully prepared posture to take the necessary measures swiftly

and effectively.

We will continue to respond with a strong sense of urgency.

We will continue to respond with a strong sense of urgency.

We will continue to respond with a strong sense of urgency.

— That’s two or more points for today.

Minister, you have another engagement,

so we’ll wrap up here.