North Korea leader Kim Jong-un sends ballistic missile over Japan, with questions left about why

NORTH Korea’s move to fly an “unidentified ballistic missile” over Hokkaido sent shockwaves across the world. But why did Kim Jong-un pick Japan?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un decided to fire the missile. Picture: KCNA

FROM Hiroshima to Fukushima, Japan has suffered more in the nuclear era than any other nation.

Could this latest threat from North Korea be the start of the next chapter in Japan’s assault?

THE NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR THREAT EXPLAINED

WHAT HAPPENED IN JAPAN?

North Korea fired an “unidentified ballistic missile” that flew over Hokkaido, prompting a chorus of warnings to the northern island’s population, including blaring sirens, warnings over radio and TV stations, and text messages sent to residents in the missile’s flight path.

A PAC-3 surface-to-air missile launch system is seen in position at Japan's Defence Ministry in Tokyo on August 29, 2017. Picture: AFP

MISSILE LAUNCH CAME AS TRUMP TIED UP TEXAS DISASTER

SHARE MARKETS IN RETREAT AFTER NORTH KOREAN MISSILE TEST

While no damage was reported as the test missile landed in the Pacific Ocean after breaking into three parts, the launch was described as a dangerous escalation from the communist nation’s leader Kim Jong-un.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for an emergency meeting with the UN Security Council.

“Their outrageous act of firing a missile over our country is an unprecedented serious and grave threat and greatly damages regional peace and security,” Mr Abe said.

Japan’s PAC-3 surface-to-air missile launch system in position. Picture: AFP

IS JAPAN A NUCLEAR POWER?

While Japan has the technical capability for a nuclear weapons program, the nation signed the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty more than 40 years ago, banning it from having nuclear weapons.

In fact, after the World War II, Japan adopted a clause under Allied supervision, which banned the country from having military and armed forces.

Japan remains restricted today, but is allowed a defensive military (rather than offensive) to prevent it from becoming an aggressive military power again.

Japan has relied on US military presence for decades, but escalating tensions with North Korea has prompted them to consider amping up their self-defence force to take on a more aggressive stance.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke out about the missile. Picture: AP

HOW FAR IS NORTH KOREA FROM JAPAN?

Japan is little more than 1,000km from North Korea.

The missile that flew over Hokkaido is believed to be a Hwasong-12 — a relatively untested missile.

While most launches of Hwasong-12 have ended in failure, one of missiles in May this year travelled to an altitude of more than 2000km, and travelled for around 788km.

If this latest test missile that flew over Japan is a Hwasong-12, it shows North Korea is improving its range.

Japan has its PAC-3 surface-to-air missile launch systems at the ready. Picture: AFP

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN?

Normal safety and security measures are currently in place.

But as further nuclear and ballistic missile tests from North Korea remain possible, overseas travellers are advised to stay informed about any developments, and to follow instruction or alerts from local authorities.

Explained: Why North Korea is stepping up its military provocations