The Japanese government says a projectile that appears to be a North Korean ballistic missile has likely been launched toward the Pacific Ocean. The Japan Coast Guard says the projectile has already fallen.

Japan's Defense Ministry says the latest launch marks the 23rd time North Korea has fired missiles this year.

Pyongyang has recently carried out four launches within a space of one week from late September to early October.

Of the 22 past launches, 20 are presumed or suspected to have involved ballistic missiles. The rest are believed to be long-range cruise missiles.

In the most recent launch last Saturday, Japan's Defense Ministry says two ballistic missiles were fired eastward from near the western coast of North Korea.

It says the missiles could have flown in irregular trajectories, and both are believed have landed in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.