Japan "is accelerating its transformation into a militaristic nation that could threaten international peace and stability", Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stated in a declaration published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 5/8.

Kim cited the first test launch of a US-made, long-range tomahawk cruise missile by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Choukai destroyer in the Pacific Ocean on 29/7.

Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed the tomahawk missile test launch, supported by the US Navy. The ministry stated Tokyo aims to possess a maximum of 400 tomahawk missiles by the end of fiscal year 2027.

The destroyer Chokai fires a tomahawk missile in the Pacific Ocean on 29/7. *Photo: Japan's Defense Ministry*

Kim also argued that Japan's participation in a US-led exercise in the Philippines in May evidenced Washington's backing of "dangerous military moves" in the Pacific region.

According to her, Tokyo is gradually legalizing the acquisition of preemptive strike capabilities. "We will never stand idly by and watch Japan's militarization process, which could pose a serious threat," she said.

Kim Jong-un's sister warned Japan would "regret" its current actions, adding that North Korea would prepare additional military options, but provided no details.

Kim Yo-jong in a news report broadcast at a train station in Seoul, South Korea in 2022. *Photo: Reuters*

Japan's Defense Ministry declined to comment directly on Kim's statement, but affirmed the country's defense capabilities are "only the minimum necessary" and "not intended to threaten any nation".

"Our self-defense forces are not built to wage war but to prevent conflict, serving solely for self-defense and adhering to our pacifist constitution and international law," the ministry stated.

Japan recently increased defense spending, expanded military cooperation agreements, and deployed missile launchers to remote islands.

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi declared on 4/8 that the country needs to strengthen its military power with a "sense of urgency and crisis".

China, a key ally of North Korea, also recently expressed concern over what Beijing describes as Japan's "new militarism". Relations between the two nations became more strained after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in 11/2025 that if China used force to control Taiwan island, the Japanese military might have to respond.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, NHK)