[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Minister's Office.
In regard to North Korea's Missile Launch, the Prime Minister said,

"North Korea once again conducted a ballistic missile launch, despite the strong warnings of the international community. This is totally unacceptable. Japan strongly protests this. The repeated missile launches by North Korea are a grave threat to Japan's security and a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Japan will lodge a strong protest against North Korea.

I will hold a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) after this. Further acts of provocation are a conceivable possibility. Working together with the United States and the Republic of Korea, we will continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and make all necessary preparations to ensure the safety of the public. Japan will respond resolutely to North Korea."