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The Japanese government has since advised residents that the reported missile launch is no longer a threat.
The Japanese government has reassured citizens on its second largest island, Hokkaido, that a missile from North Korea is no longer likely to land on or around its territory.
The message comes shortly after the government warned residents to take cover or evacuate, following reports that North Korea may have fired a ballistic missile in its direction.
“Evacuate immediately. Evacuate immediately,” the government indicated in its warning, encouraging residents to otherwise go inside or underground for shelter.
A possible strike was projected for around 8 a.m. local time (23:00 GMT), according to the government. The missile was believed to be launched around 7:25 a.m. (22:25 GMT), according to local media, with the satellite-based J-Alert warning system broadcasting about 20 minutes later.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff also indicated on Thursday that its northern neighbour had fired a missile that landed in the waters off its eastern coast.
North Korea has framed its recent missile launches as a reaction to joint military drills between the United States and South Korea.
In a sign of heightened tensions, the North Korean state media agency KCNA quoted leader Kim Jong Un as calling for his country to strengthen its war deterrence efforts in a “more practical and offensive manner” following a meeting with senior military officials.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
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