'Emergency alert': Japan activates crisis team as North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile

The administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi immediately activated emergency protocols to monitor the projectile's trajectory.

The Japanese government on Saturday expressed concern about rising tensions in East Asia after issuing a warning to its citizens of increased military activity from Pyongyang. Sharing a post on X, the Prime Minister's Office of Japan wrote,"[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow."

Soon after the alert, the administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi immediately activated emergency protocols to monitor the projectile's trajectory. Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has maintained a robust stance on regional security and the protection of Japanese territory throughout her tenure.

On Saturday, Japan's NHK reported that North Korea's weapons testing raises security concerns in the region. The Japan Coast Guard stated that at 1:30 pm on Saturday, it identified a ballistic missile launch from North Korea based on information provided by the Ministry of Defence. In conjunction with this missile launch, the Coast Guard has issued an urgent warning to vessels to remain vigilant for updates on the missile launch incident. According to NHK, the projectile's flight path suggests that the immediate danger to Japanese territory has subsided, as defence ministry officials believe it fell in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reported news agency ANI.