Archive · 5 Aug 2026
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong warns Japan of military options
This news is about two countries, Japan and North Korea, that often disagree.
Japan recently tested a very powerful missile called a Tomahawk.
This missile was launched from a navy ship named Chokai in the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has a sister named Kim Yo Jong, who is an important person in North Korea's government.
She said Japan is becoming a military power that could attack other countries.
She warned that North Korea will make new military plans to protect itself.
She also said the United States is helping Japan become stronger.
Japan says it needs a stronger military to stay safe and protect itself.
These disagreements worry people because they make the region more tense.
Kim Yo Jong warned Wednesday that North Korea will adopt "additional military options" in response to Japan's military buildup, per state media KCNA.
The warning follows Japan's test-firing of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean.
Kim accused Japan of abandoning its defensive posture and building forces capable of pre-emptive strikes and overseas military operations.
She said the US is "behind such dangerous military moves of Japan" for supplying Tomahawks, modifying vessels and supporting the tests.
A day earlier, Japan's defence white paper identified China, Russia and North Korea as its primary security threats.
- Who
- Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and an official of the ruling Workers' Party, issued the warning to Japan.
- What
- North Korea said it will set up "additional military options" in response to Japan's test of a US-made Tomahawk missile and its growing military capabilities.
- When
- The warning was carried by KCNA on Wednesday, Aug 5; Japan had tested the Tomahawk a few days earlier and released its defence white paper a day before.
- Where
- Pyongyang, via state media KCNA; the Tomahawk was launched from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean; Kim also cited a US-led joint drill in the Philippines in May.
- Why
- Kim said Japan is transforming into a military power capable of pre-emptive attacks and overseas operations, with US support, posing a security threat to North Korea and neighbouring countries.
North Korea's View
Japan's View
Japan's military expansion
North Korea's View
Japan is abandoning its defensive posture and transforming its Self-Defence Forces into a military capable of pre-emptive attacks and overseas operations, placing neighbours within striking range.
Japan's View
Japan's defence white paper frames the buildup as strengthening its military capabilities in response to primary security threats identified as China, Russia and North Korea.
Role of the United States
North Korea's View
The US is "behind such dangerous military moves of Japan" by supplying Tomahawk missiles, modifying Japanese vessels and supporting the missile tests.
Japan's View
The articles note the missile is US-made and the drill was US-led, reflecting US-Japan defence cooperation as part of Japan's plans to bolster its capabilities.
- North Korean official
- Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un; heads the record-keeping department of the ruling Workers' Party
- Warning
- North Korea will set up "additional military options" in response to Japan (no details given)
- Trigger
- Japan's test-firing of a US-made Tomahawk cruise missile from the Aegis destroyer Chokai in the Pacific Ocean
- Date of statement
- Wednesday, Aug 5, carried by state media KCNA
- Accusation against US
- The US is "behind such dangerous military moves of Japan," supplying missiles, modifying vessels and supporting tests
- Other cited actions
- Additional missile test-firings; participation in a US-led joint military drill in the Philippines in May
- Japan's defence white paper
- Released a day earlier; identifies China, Russia and North Korea as primary security threats
- Analyst view
- Pyongyang seeks to portray Japan's military modernisation as a direct threat to justify its own weapons development
Sources
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong slams Japan's Tomahawk missile test. What's inside Tokyo’s defence white paper?
North Korea-Japan tensions: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong warns Japan of 'military options' after missile test
