North Korea is in the spotlight once again due to a suspected missile launch. Reports emerged, including local claims, suggesting the projectile may have fallen outside of Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The inevitable questions around the event are: its purpose, potential threats to Japan's security, international reactions, and the trajectory of North Korea's missile development.

Such naval events evoke concern in Japan due to the proximity and past encounters with North Korea. The focus is majorly on potential violations of Japan's EEZ, national security, and international diplomacy. Given North Korea’s clandestine actions, such incidents often drive discussions on Japan's self-defence and its relations with allied powers.

In contrast to the US or EU, Japan's geographical proximity and historical tensions with North Korea make it more vulnerable, leading to heightened concern and close scrutiny over such incidents. The US and EU, while involved as international actors, can opt for diplomatic solutions from a position of relative safety.