North Korean long-range missile launch triggers evacuation order in Japan | NK News
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October 04, 2026Oct 04, 2026

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North Korean long-range missile launch triggers evacuation order in Japan

Authorities warn Hokkaido residents to seek shelter, stating missile expected to fall near island, but later lift notice

North Korea launched one intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Pyongyang area Thursday morning, prompting Japanese authorities to issue evacuation warnings to residents of the northern island of Hokkaido. 

Japan’s defense ministry said North Korea launched an ICBM at a lofted angle at 7:22 a.m. KST and initially warned it would land in the vicinity of Hokkaido around 8 a.m. 

Japanese authorities later issued a “correction” to the evacuation order, saying the missile did not pose a danger to residents and that there was no indication it landed inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Tokyo said the missile landed