The Japanese government has decided to impose additional sanctions on North Korea in response to Pyongyang's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Thursday.

The government approved the measures at a Cabinet meeting on Friday. It added three individuals involved in the North's nuclear and missile programs to a list of those subject to asset freezing.

With the latest sanctions, Japan has frozen the assets of 137 organizations and 124 people in North Korea and other countries.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu told reporters that Japan strongly urges North Korea to take concrete action to address the issues of abductions, nuclear weapons and missiles, and other matters of concern.

He said Japan will cooperate closely with the United States and South Korea as well as the wider international community to work for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.