North Korea missile lands outside Japan's EEZ; Tokyo issues strong condemnation

North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile from its east coast early on the 12th, with the projectile landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The launch prompted a strong protest and condemnation from Japan.

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjirō stated that Japan lodged a strong protest and sternly condemned North Korea's actions via its embassy in Beijing. According to the Asahi Shimbun, the missile reached an approximate maximum altitude of 90 kilometers and traveled about 690 kilometers. Japan's Ministry of Defense confirmed that no Japanese aircraft or vessels were damaged.

Japan, in coordination with the United States, South Korea, and other nations, is actively collecting and analyzing missile data. The launch is believed to be a response to the upcoming "Ulchi Freedom Shield" joint military exercises scheduled between South Korea and the U.S. on the 17th, which simulate emergency military situations on the Korean Peninsula.

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Japan has strongly protested and sternly condemned its actions.