[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister's Office.

With regard to North Korea's missile launch incident, the Prime Minister said,

"Today, North Korea once again conducted a ballistic missile launch. This is a grave provocation to our security and a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and it is totally unacceptable. The Government of Japan strongly condemns it. Following this press occasion, I will immediately hold a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

Further acts of provocation are a conceivable possibility. The Government of Japan will take every measure to protect the lives and assets of the people in all potential circumstances, while working closely together with the United States and the Republic of Korea."