Japan may take ‘destructive measures’ after North Korea announces satellite launch dates

Tokyo says any missile entering its territory will be destroyed as Pyongyang completes preparations to launch first military spy satellite

Japan's military has said it will destroy any North Korean missile that violates its territory and is making preparations to do so, after Kim Jong-un's regime told Tokyo it plans to launch a satellite between 31 May and 11 June.

Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, said any launch by North Korea, even if termed a satellite launch, affected the safety of Japanese citizens. The government recognises that there is a possibility that the satellite may pass through our country's territory."