Japan is on alert for a possible nuclear or missile test by North Korea on its National Foundation Day, Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told journalists on Friday.

North Korea, which will celebrate its foundation day on Saturday (September 9), has continued to test intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and nuclear weapons in defiance of international condemnation.

The isolated nation most recently conducted is sixth nuclear test, which it claims was a Hydrogen bomb that can be mounted on an ICBM.

Last year, North Korea conducted its fifth nuclear test on its foundation day on September 9th, just a few days after it tested long-range missiles on September 5th.

“North Korea has a history of repeating nuclear and missile tests on its national anniversaries. Last year on September 5th, North Korea’s foundation day, there was a nuclear test for the fifth time. We’re going to continue our surveillance of North Korea and be on alert,” Itsunori Onodera said.

Reuters