REPORTER: North Korea launched another missile this morning. Can you please explain what responses the Government will be taking?

PRIME MINISTER ABE: The ballistic missile launched by North Korea flew over Japan and fell into the Pacific Ocean. The Government has stayed fully abreast of the developments related to the missile since immediately after its launch, and has been taking all possible measures to protect the lives of the Japanese people.

A missile launch across Japan is an outrageous act that poses an unprecedented, grave and serious threat, and significantly undermines the peace and security of the region. The Government has lodged a firm protest against North Korea. We ask the United Nations (UN) Security Council to convene an emergency meeting. The Government will collaborate with the international community at the UN in urging the further strengthening of pressure on North Korea. We will make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the Japanese people with a sense of urgency to be able to deal with any situation under the robust Japan-U.S. Alliance.