Early security test for Tokyo

South Korea says North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, a day after Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister. Japan’s defense ministry said initial data showed no missiles landed in Japan’s territorial waters or exclusive economic zone, though authorities issued routine “information only” alerts to maritime and aviation operators. Tokyo, Seoul, and Washington activated real-time data sharing under their trilateral framework, with Japan’s new leader pledging close coordination on deterrence and sanctions enforcement. Analysts said the timing was calibrated to test Japan’s new cabinet and probe allied response times without crossing red lines.

Regional risk calculus

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces tracked the launches as standard SRBM profiles, likely fired from near Pyongyang and the west coast. South Korea noted no immediate change in alert levels but warned of more tests as Pyongyang seeks leverage amid stalled diplomacy and sanctions pressure. The incident follows months of short-range tests aimed at dispersal drills and survivability of launch units. For Tokyo, the episode underscores debates over counter-strike capabilities and missile defense layering, including Aegis vessels and Patriot batteries. Markets in Tokyo were steady, suggesting investors viewed the salvo as signaling rather than prelude to escalation.