Japan's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu says North Korea has launched two ballistic missiles. Officials say this is the first time it's launched ballistic missiles two days in a row.

Hamada said, "North Korea's unprovoked escalation of provocations -- including this series of launches --threatens the peace and security of Japan, the region, and the international community. It can absolutely not be tolerated."

Hamada said North Korea launched two ballistic missiles eastward from a site near its west coast.

He said both missiles are estimated to have flown about 300 kilometers at a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometers.

He also said they're estimated to have fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Hamada said Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea through its embassy in Beijing.

The government has not received any reports of damage to ships or aircraft.

North Korea also launched a ballistic missile on Sunday and two more on Wednesday.
It's now launched missiles on 21 occasions this year.