Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has strongly criticized North Korea in the wake of Pyongyang's latest round of ballistic missile launches. He pledged to work with the United States and South Korea to respond to the situation.

Japan's Defense Ministry says North Korea launched two ballistic missiles late on Monday night. It says both are believed to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Kishida spoke to reporters when he arrived at the prime minister's office on Tuesday morning. He said no damage from the launches has been confirmed so far.

Kishida noted that North Korea has been launching ballistic missiles frequently.

He said the North's actions cannot be condoned, as they threaten the peace and stability of Japan, the region and the international community.

The prime minister said the launches violate a series of UN Security Council resolutions. He said Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea.

Kishida said his government will make sure that surveillance operations continue. He added that the government will work with the United States and South Korea to ensure that efforts aimed at safeguarding peace, stability and people's lives are maintained.