Japan On High Alert! Fresh North Korea Test Sets Off Sparks Concern In Japan

Japan activated an emergency alert system after North Korea launched what authorities believe was a ballistic missile, prompting fresh concern across East Asia. The incident involved multiple missile launches, drew swift responses from Japan and South Korea, and came just as regional leaders prepared for sensitive diplomatic talks on security and stability.

South Korea later reported that several ballistic missiles were fired from near Pyongyang towards the sea off North Korea's east coast. The launches were detected at around 7:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, and regional militaries said they were sharing data and watching for more activity, while stressing that no immediate damage had been confirmed.

North Korea ballistic missile alert and Japan's immediate response

The Prime Minister's Office of Japan posted a brief message on X confirming the alert and initial assessment. The statement read: "North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow," and noted that officials were still analysing the missile's path, distance and whether it entered Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Japan's Ministry of Defence later said the missile was believed to have already fallen, though it did not specify the impact area. Defence officials added that monitoring continued in close coordination with allied partners, while local authorities maintained higher alert levels across affected regions as a precaution against any further launches.

North Korea ballistic missile launches and South Korean military reaction

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that several missiles were launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang towards eastern waters. In a statement, the military said, "Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches," and noted that information was being shared closely with the United States and Japan to track North Korea's moves.

The latest activity marked North Korea's first ballistic missile test in almost two months, with the previous known launch taking place in November. A file image from November 7, 2025, showed people in a Seoul railway station walking past television screens broadcasting footage of earlier missile tests, underlining how frequent launches have become part of public life.

North Korea ballistic missile tests amid diplomatic schedule

The launches coincided with a key diplomatic date, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to begin a state visit to China on Sunday. Seoul has said that peace and stability on the Korean peninsula will be a major theme, placing North Korea's weapons activity at the centre of talks with Beijing.

China's President Xi Jinping is set to host Lee during the visit, which Seoul views as an opportunity to discuss regional security. Wi Sung-lac, Lee's national security adviser, said South Korea expects Beijing to play a constructive role in promoting peace on the peninsula, though Wi did not share detailed agenda points or possible proposals.

North Korea ballistic missile programme and Kim Jong Un's weapons push

The missile tests followed a series of public inspections by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, highlighting a drive to expand military capacity. State media reported that Kim visited a munitions plant on Saturday and urged officials to more than double production of tactical guided weapons, signalling plans for a larger arsenal.

In recent weeks, Kim has toured several weapons factories, observed missile launches, and inspected a nuclear-powered submarine. These visits come ahead of this year's Ninth Party Congress of the Workers' Party, where North Korea is expected to outline major policy directions, including priorities for missile development and wider defence plans.

Regional analysts say President Lee is likely to ask China to use its influence to encourage new dialogue with Pyongyang. However, North Korea has recently rejected outreach efforts from the new South Korean administration, limiting options for talks even as concerns rise over missiles and other strategic programmes in the area.