Japan: "Buk, Notification of Artificial Satellite Launch Between 22nd and 1st"

North Korea has notified the Japanese government that it plans to launch a satellite between 0:00 on the 22nd and 0:00 on the 1st of next month, Kyodo News reported on the 21st.

The launch scene of the satellite carrier rocket 'Chollima-1' carrying the first military reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyung-1,' which North Korea launched from the Saebalsa site in Dongchang-ri, Cholsan County, North Pyongan Province, on May 31.

According to the Japan Coast Guard, North Korea sent an email with this information to the Marine Information Department of the Coast Guard. The danger zones where debris may fall are two locations in the Yellow Sea off the southwest coast of North Korea and one location in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines, all outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Hirokazu Matsuno, Chief Cabinet Secretary and spokesperson for the Japanese government, stated at a regular press conference that "danger zones have been set in the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and east of Luzon Island."

This notification appears to be related to North Korea's plan to launch an additional military reconnaissance satellite. Previously, North Korea attempted to launch reconnaissance satellites twice in May and August but failed. At that time, North Korea also notified Japan and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the launch schedule. The IMO requires member countries to provide advance notice when conducting military exercises or other activities that may affect navigation safety.

NHK reported that if North Korea launches the satellite this time, the launch vehicle is expected to pass over Okinawa Prefecture.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno explained that the Japan Self-Defense Forces have established a necessary system with Aegis destroyers and Patriot (PAC3) units within Okinawa Prefecture to prepare for any possible debris falling or launch vehicle passing over Japanese territory, and that information will be promptly provided through the nationwide alert system (J-ALERT) if there is a possibility of debris falling or passing over Japanese airspace.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed relevant ministries to thoroughly collect and analyze information, provide information to the public, and urge North Korea to halt its launch plans through cooperation with South Korea and the United States in response to North Korea's notification.