1. Japan appreciates that the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2356, which expands sanction targets in response to a series of ballistic missile launches and other activities conducted by North Korea.

2. It is totally unacceptable that North Korea has been continuing provocations, disregarding the repeated warnings by the international community. Japan strongly urges North Korea to sincerely heed the voice of the international community and to implement Resolution 2356 and other series of relevant resolutions strictly and fully, and refrain from any further provocations, such as nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches.

3. At the recent Japan-United States summit meeting, the leaders reaffirmed the importance of strengthening pressure on North Korea through further sanctions upon North Korea and close coordination in the Security Council. Furthermore, at the recent G7 Summit, the leaders shared the view that the issue of North Korea is a top priority in the international agenda and that they stand ready to strengthen measures for denuclearization. Taking these into accounts, Japan, as a member of the Security Council, has contributed to the adoption of this resolution in close coordination with concerned countries, including the United States, the Republic of Korea, China and Russia. In order to further enhance pressure on North Korea, Japan will continue to work closely with countries concerned, including strictly implementing this resolution and ensuring its effectiveness to further enhance pressure on North Korea.

4. Towards a comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern, including nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, which continues to be the most important, Japan will continue to strongly urge North Korea to take concrete actions under its principle of "dialogue and pressure" and "action for action".