North Korea’s Kim Yo-jong, sister of leader Kim Jong-un, issued a statement on August 5 warning of unspecified additional military responses to Japan's recent defense expansions and missile tests [1, 2, 3].
Kim accused Japan of reviving ambitions of a “war criminal state” and turning itself into a military power capable of preemptive strikes. She said, "War criminal state Japan’s possession of the capability for pre-emptive attack is a grave threat destroying global peace and security" [1].
She cited Japan’s recent launch of a US-made Tomahawk long-range cruise missile as well as Tokyo’s participation in US-led military exercises in the Philippines as evidence of this growing threat [1, 3]. Kim also blamed the United States for enabling Japan’s military buildup by supplying the Tomahawk missiles and supporting these drills, saying, "The US is behind such dangerous military moves of Japan" [3].
Kim warned that North Korea should “make it regret,” referring to Japan’s possession of preemptive strike capabilities [3]. The statement is part of Pyongyang’s broader condemnation of security cooperation among the US, Japan, and South Korea, which North Korea portrays as preparations for invasion [1, 3].
Analysts say North Korea aims to justify its own nuclear and missile programs by framing Japan’s military modernization as a direct security threat [3]. North Korea has yet to specify what additional military options it will pursue in response.
The announcement follows Japan's missile test and participation in joint drills in early August 2026. The situation adds tension to East Asia’s ongoing security dynamics.
North Korea’s next move remains to be seen, but its statement signals willingness to escalate military actions if Japan continues expanding its defense capabilities.
