[Title] Statement by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the Nuclear Test by North Korea

1. Today, North Korea announced that it had conducted its fourth nuclear test. In Japan, at around 10:30 AM today, the Japan Meterological Agency detected seismic waves which may differ from the ordinary waveform of a natural earthquake, with an epicenter located in North Korea or in its vicinity. Based on a comprehensive consideration of this information, the Government of Japan considers that North Korea conducted a nuclear test.

2. The international community including Japan has repeatedly called on North Korea to fully comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), and not to conduct any further provocation, including nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. This nuclear test, which North Korea conducted today despite thes ecalls, is totally unacceptable, as it constitutes a grave threat to Japan's security and seriously undermines the peace and security of Northeast Asia as well as the international community, when considered together with North Korea's enhancement of its ballistic missile capability which could serve as a means to deliver weapons of mass destruction. The nuclear test by North Korea is a clear violation of relevant UNSCRs, including UNSCR 2094, and represents a grave challenge to the authority of the United Nations Security Council. In addition, it represents a grave challenge to the international disarmament and non-proliferation regime centered on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It also violates the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration as well as the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and goes against the efforts to resolve various issues through dialogue with North Korea. Thus, Japan lodges a serious protest against North Korea, and strongly condemns its nuclear test.

3. Japan requests that the United Nations Security Council promptly meet, taking into account UNSCR 2094 which clearly expresses the determination to take further significant measures against North Korea in the event of another nuclear test. Japan reiterates its strong demand for North Korea to immediately and fully implement the relevant UNSCRs. In addition, Japan takes this occasion to once again strongly demand that North Korea take concrete action towards comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern, including the abductions, nuclear and missile issues.

4. The Government of Japan will continue to thoroughly ensure the collection and analysis of information on the situation in North Korea including this matter, provide the public with accurate information, and take all possible measures to prepare for any contingencies in order to ensure the peace and security of Japan as well as the security and safety of the people. In addition, with regard to the effect on Japan of radioactive materials associated with the nuclear test, the Government's "Liaison Meetings for Radiological Countermeasures" will take the lead in making utmost efforts to strengthen the monitoring system in coordination with the countries concerned. Furthermore, including efforts in the Security Council, the Government will strengthen collaboration with the countries concerned, such as the United States, the Republic of Korea, China, and Russia. The Government will also consider further measures against North Korea, taking into account future responses by North Korea and the developments in the international community.