The Japanese government readied the people of Japan for an impending nuclear attack by North Korea as the latest short-range missile soared past the "Land of the Rising Sun's" mainland. The nuclear shell passed over Japanese territory before it separated into three segments that fell into the Sea of Japan.

Warnings issued to Japanese provinces of missile strike

The areas of Hokkaido, Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Yamagata, Akita, Ibaraki, Fukushima, Gunma, Tochigi, Nagano, and Niigata received priority notices of the nuclear threat.

The missile landed in waters 1,180 km east of Cape Erimo, part of Hokkaido.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to protect its citizens in any way he can. Abe's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga added that the test is a grave threat to the Japanese people and calls it unprecedented.

According to Express UK, a student interviewed from Hokkaido University commented that there is nothing they can do if the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un bombs Japan. He adds that they will just prepare for the blast and its aftermath.

Pyongyang missile launch: the longest distance rocket test by North Korea

South Koreans watched via TV the launching of the longest distance rocket that North Korea has tested that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. The rocket sailed past the territorial skies of one of the US's closest allies in Asia, as Washington and Seoul are doing military exercises near the region.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea rated the short-range missile at a travel distance of 2,700 km (1,677 miles) and soared to up to 550 miles (341 miles) in its vertical ascent. The parameters indicate its reach could hit as far as Guam or Alaska. It is also a danger to Japan as it houses a military base as an ally of the US.

Missile passing, missile passing

This is a horrifying signal broadcasted by loud speakers warning the residents of Japan while the short-range rocket passed through Japanese airspace. The Japanese government advised its residents to stay indoors during the North Korean missile test.

Designated bunkers and nuclear shelters are available in Japan in case of a nuclear strike.

A message of defiance against US and South Korea's military drills

The North Korean Leadership interprets the US and South Korean War Games as preparatory exercises for an invasion into North Korea. The scenario angered the rogue nation and showed its expression of defiance in the region. But its defiant stance sends threats of a nuclear encounter against the US and its allies.

UN Sanctions are now in place that could cripple the economy of North Korea and further delay, if not stop, its nuclear programs.

Each missile test allows the capacity of North Korea to reach the kill zone, drawing the weapon's accuracy to its target.

South Korea’s military preparations

The South Koreans are also preparing their missile arsenals in response to the North Korean threats. They have two types of missiles with 500 km and 800 km ranges that will be in their positions after their final tests. Besides the addition to its Hyunmoo family of rockets, the South Korean Air Force has four F-15 Bombers that had their bombing drills. The F-15 Jets accurately dropped eight MK-84 projectiles at a military field near the coast.

Park Su-Hyun, spokesman for South Korean president Moon Jae-in, said that the drills are to display the South's capability to punish the North if it does start World War III, reports the Albuquerque Journal.