The Japanese Ministry of Defense has confirmed that North Korea launched three ballistic missiles on the 18th. In response, Prime Minister Kishida has instructed relevant ministries and agencies to dedicate their utmost efforts to gathering information and analysis, and ensuring swift and accurate information is provided to the public.

The launch was executed from near the western coast of North Korea, heading eastward, and the missiles were reported to have been launched around 7-8 AM. All three missiles launched by North Korea landed outside of Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and there have been no reports of human or physical damage.

A meeting of the four ministers of the National Security Council (NSC) was held to discuss future responses. Sources in Seoul reported that there is a possibility that the missile launch was conducted in two separate instances. As with the previous launch, the missile was aimed towards the Sea of Japan, and flew a short distance.

Prime Minister Kishida criticized North Korea’s missile launch as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions during a Budget Committee meeting in the House of Councillors. The Japanese government reaffirmed its commitment to continuous information gathering and to take appropriate measures as necessary.