Japan Condemns North Korea’s Latest Missile Launch

Japan has condemned North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launch, describing Pyongyang’s repeated missile activities as a threat to regional and international peace and security.

The country’s Defence Minister, Shinjirō Koizumi, said at least one ballistic missile was launched from the vicinity of North Korea’s east coast towards the northeast at about 3 p.m. on Sunday.

The missile reached an estimated maximum altitude of about 60 kilometres and travelled approximately 440 kilometres before falling outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan, according to Japan’s Defence Ministry.

The ministry said it was conducting a detailed assessment of the launch in coordination with the United States and South Korea.

Following the launch, the Japanese Prime Minister directed authorities to intensify information gathering and analysis, provide the public with prompt and accurate information, and confirm the safety of aircraft and vessels.

The Prime Minister also ordered authorities to remain fully prepared for any contingencies.

The Defence Minister said the ministry had instructed its personnel to maintain close coordination with the United States, South Korea and other countries while strengthening vigilance and surveillance.

No damage to aircraft or vessels had been reported at the time of the statement.

Japan said North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community.

“Such ballistic missile launches violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and constitute a grave issue concerning the safety of our citizens,” the Defence Minister said.

Japan has lodged a strong protest and condemnation with North Korea through diplomatic channels in Beijing.

The latest launch adds to a series of ballistic missile tests conducted by North Korea in defiance of international pressure and United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Japan’s Defence Ministry said it would continue gathering and analysing information and maintaining vigilance while coordinating with the United States, South Korea and other partners to protect the lives and property of Japanese citizens.

北朝鮮によるミサイル発射を受け、先ほど記者会見を行いました。内容は以下の通りです。

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— 小泉進次郎 (@shinjirokoiz) September 20, 2026