The Japanese government on Wednesday protested against missile launches by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) earlier the day, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calling the move "simply can not be tolerated."

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said the act is extremely regrettable and called it a "grave provocation" in light of international security, according to local reports.

"The launch of a ballistic missile is banned by multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions," vice Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama was quoted by Japan's Kyodo News as reporting. He added that Japan will coordinate with the United States, South Korea and other related countries to deal with the matter.

The DPRK reportedly launched two ballistic missiles early Wednesday and the first one has failed, according to reports.

Japan prepared to intercept the missiles with Nakatani ordering the Self-Defense Forces on Tuesday to do so if any DPRK missiles flew toward Japanese territory or waters.

source : xinhua