The Japanese government spokesman said the missile launched by North Korea on Thursday may have been a new type of ICBM class.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa told a news conference on Friday that Japan had cooperated closely with the United States and South Korea in reviewing the launch.

He said North Korea has repeatedly launched ICBM-class ballistic missiles in the past and appears to be aiming to develop ICBMs that can be used as weapons.

He added that Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development can never be tolerated as it poses a threat to the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community.

Hayashi said Japan will make every effort to collect and analyze the necessary information, and will also be vigilant and monitor North Korea’s movements.

He added that Japan will work with the international community to fully implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions on the North and will continue to call on Pyongyang to completely eliminate its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.