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"Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday said the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had fired 'possibly ballistic missiles' into waters outside Tokyo's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), speaking to reporters after arriving in Melbourne. "Several objects, possibly ballistic missiles, were launched from North Korea around 06:00 Japan time today (21:00 GMT). They have already fallen, and the landing site is outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Further details are currently being analysed," Koizumi remarked. Koizumi said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had ordered officials to step up intelligence gathering and analysis, ensure the safety of aircraft and vessels, and stay fully prepared for 'any unforeseen circumstances'. "I have issued instructions through my secretary to work closely with the United States, South Korea, and other countries [...] to maintain vigilance and surveillance in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances," he added. Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea's military said 'short-range ballistic missiles' were launched from the Sinpo area eastwards at about 06:10 local time (21:10 GMT), covering around 140 kilometres. Pyongyang has not commented on Tokyo and Seoul's claims at the time of publication. It comes days after the DPRK conducted a series of back-to-back missile tests from the Wonsan area in the country's east, as it pushes to expand nuclear-capable forces. DPRK Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has also reiterated his characterisation of South Korea as a 'hostile enemy', dashing recent hopes in Seoul of easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula."
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