Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement
At approximately 9:31 AM today, a ballistic missile which North Korea calls a “satellite” was launched from the western coast of North Korea heading south.  At present, we have judged that it did not come down within Japanese territory.  Today’s launch, which follows North Korea’s January 6 nuclear test, is a grave action in terms of security, undermining the peace and security of the region and the international community, including Japan.  The launch also violates UN Security Council Resolutions and other decisions taken by the international community.  Thus, Japan lodges a serious protest against North Korea and strongly condemns its missile launch.  Within the government, we have been gathering information at the Response Office within the Prime Minister’s Office, and we immediately sent out information to the public through the Em-Net (Emergency Information Network) and J-ALERT systems.  Moreover, under the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management, we convened an urgent operations team to discuss response measures.  Responding to this incident, the Prime Minister issued instructions on the following three points:  (i) dedicate the greatest possible efforts to gathering and analyzing information, and provide information to the public in a timely and accurate manner; (ii) thoroughly ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, etc.; and (iii) take all possible preparations, including preparations for contingencies.  Based on the Prime Minister’s instructions, the government will continue to take all possible measures to ensure the safety and the peace of mind of the Japanese people, including confirming the situation regarding damage.  This is the end of my opening statement.