The Japan Coast Guard says it has been informed by North Korea of its plan to launch what it calls an artificial satellite sometime between May 27 and June 3.

The projectile will likely fall in one of three areas -- two locations in the Yellow Sea southwest of North Korea and one in the Pacific Ocean east of the Philippines. All of them are outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Officials are urging vessels operating in the waters to be on the alert for any falling objects.

The Japanese government's task force at the prime minister's office is collecting and analyzing information.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has instructed relevant ministries and agencies to provide people with information appropriately through thorough gathering and analysis of intelligence.

He said Japan will work closely with the United States and South Korea, and strongly urge Pyongyang to exercise self-restraint.

Kishida instructed government agencies to take all possible measures to prepare for any type of event.