[Title] Statement by the Prime Minister of Japan (on the Nuclear Test by North Korea)

1. Today at around 9:30 a.m., 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 the information including this, the Government of Japan considers that North Korea conducted a nuclear test.

2. The countries concerned including Japan and the international community have repeatedly called on North Korea to fully comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs), and repeatedly requested, with strong warnings, not to conduct any further provocation, including nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. Furthermore, following North Korea’s nuclear test in January and ballistic missile launch, which it purported to be a “satellite”, in February, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2270 in March, which, in addition to strongly condemning them, greatly increased and strengthened sanctions. This nuclear test, which North Korea conducted today despite these calls, is totally unacceptable. In the light of the fact that North Korea went ahead with a series of nuclear tests in an unprecedentedly short period of time, as well as the fact that, this year, North Korea has launched 21 ballistic missiles which could serve as means to deliver weapons of mass destruction, and that it has been enhancing their capability, North Korea’s nuclear development constitutes a grave threat to Japan’s security and seriously undermines the peace and security of the region as well as the international community. The nuclear test by North Korea is a clear and repeated violation of the relevant UNSCRs, and 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. Japan lodges a serious protest against North Korea, and condemns North Korea in the strongest possible terms.

3. Japan has initiated coordination for a prompt meeting of the United Nations Security Council, taking into account UNSCR 2270 which clearly expressed 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 and to take concrete action towards comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern, including the abductions, nuclear and missile issues.

4. The Government of Japan, based on my instructions, will continue to thoroughly ensure the collection and analysis of information on the situation in North Korea including this matter, and provide the public with accurate information. Furthermore, the Government will also seamlessly maintain necessary posture, to prevent contingencies and to respond most appropriately when they occur, and work closely together with the United States and others, and thereby take all possible measures to ensure 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.

Japan will steadily implement measures of its own including those decided in February and measures under the relevant UNSCRs. Furthermore, the Government will further strengthen collaboration with the countries concerned, such as the United States, the Republic of Korea, China and Russia, seek to ensure the effectiveness of UNSCR 2270 and the other relevant UNSCRs, and consider further measures against North Korea including further action in the United Nations Security Council.