Overview
- Japan's Ministry of Defense reported early on January 4 that an object likely launched from North Korea was detected and labeled it a possible ballistic missile.
- The Japan Coast Guard issued a second notice at 8:18 a.m. local time stating the object is believed to have already fallen.
- Maritime advisories call on vessels in surrounding waters to stay alert to new information from authorities.
- Officials have not confirmed the object's classification or provided details on its trajectory, impact location, casualties, or debris.
- Major outlets including NHK and Hokkaido Shimbun carried consistent, time-stamped updates, with NHK posting at 8:01 a.m. and updating at 8:28 a.m.