The launch led to a rare activation of the J-Alert system, a warning of which appeared on the screens of NHK public television. The ballistic missile that prompted an alert and calls for residents in parts of Japan to seek shelter fell into the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese government said, giving no indication of casualties or damage.
The missile attack warning system was activated at 07:29 Japan time. The update broadcast by NHK said: “North Korea appears to have launched a missile. Hurry to find shelter in buildings or underground.” Some train services were stopped.
About 30 minutes later, Prime Minister Kishida’s office said via Twitter that “the North Korean missile may have flown over Japan.” No Japanese anti-missile defense systems were activated.
In a statement, the Japanese coast guard noted that the missile had fallen into the sea and advised passing vessels not to approach the wreckage.
It is the first time in five years that North Korea has fired a missile that passed over Japan. Tokyo estimated that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test. In his remarks, South Korean President Yun spoke of an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
Japanese government spokesman Matsuno said North Korea’s actions threaten “the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community, and pose a serious challenge to the entire international community.”
Today is North Korea’s fifth missile test in ten days. They are believed to have been carried out in response to a show of military force by the US, South Korea and Japan, which held first bilateral and then trilateral aviation and anti-submarine warfare exercises last week.
Pyongyang’s escalating missile tests will allow it to acquire operational weapons and develop new capabilities, while at the same time sending a message to the international community that the development of such systems is its sovereign right.
The ballistic missile and nuclear weapons development programs are theoretically banned under UN Security Council resolutions that have imposed a series of sanctions on North Korea, which Pyongyang defies by arguing that its national defense comes first.
Apparently, the North Korean leader is blackmailing in this way, wanting capital from the West and Japan to stop ballistic missile testing and development. However, allocating capital to Pyongyang will only succeed in maintaining its status quo.
