At least one ballistic missile on the east coast of North Korea is in launching position on its mobile launcher, according to Japanese authorities.
The Japanese government is on high alert, citing indications that Pyongyang might soon launch ballistic missiles at its island neighbor.
Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Thursday morning that so far Tokyo was responding by “gathering a variety of information ... with a sense of tension,” according to Kyodo.
Japan has already deployed Patriot missiles in anticipation of a possible test fire in North Korea who last month declared it was in a state of war with South Korea.
Last week, North Korea asked foreign embassies based in Pyongyang to consider evacuating staff.