September 9, 2016, 10:50 a.m.

[Provisional Translation]

The Japan Meteorological Agency detected seismic waves which may differ from the ordinary waveform of a natural earthquake. There is the possibility that North Korea went ahead with a nuclear test. I already issued three instructions: to collect and analyze information with a sense of urgency; to provide information to the Japanese public in an accurate manner; and to coordinate closely with the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) as well as other relevant countries such as China and Russia.

If North Korea did indeed conduct a nuclear test, then it is totally unacceptable and we must lodge our serious protest.

Later, after the cabinet meeting, we are scheduled to hold a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to share and analyze information. Going forward, I believe that we must continue to collaborate closely with the United States and ROK. I exchanged views on the issue of North Korea’s ballistic missiles with President Park Geun-hye and with President Obama in Hangzhou and Vientiane, and we will continue to work closely with them. Furthermore, Japan is currently a nonpermanent member of the Security Council and we must also collaborate in New York on how we respond if North Korea indeed conducted a nuclear test.