The Japanese government says a North Korean missile has flown over Japan and fallen into the ocean.

Officials believe the ballistic missile passed over the country's northeast before falling outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

They say it flew for about 20 minutes over a distance of about 4,600 kilometers. Defense officials say it is a record distance for a North Korean missile.

It may have fallen into waters about 3,200 kilometers east of Japan. They believe it was an intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Officials said it was launched from a location in North Korea at about 7:22 a.m. Japan time.

The Japanese government issued an alert through the nationwide emergency warning system. It told people in the areas to take shelter in sturdy buildings or underground.

People in northern Japan were alerted with this siren. About 20 minutes after the launch, officials said the missile may have fallen into the Pacific Ocean.

The government says the Japanese Self-Defense Forces did not use any measures to destroy the missile.
Officials have not reported any damage in Japan. It is the 7th time that a ballistic missile has flown over the country, and the first time in five years.

The defense ministry says it is the 23rd time this year that North Korea has tested missiles. Japan's prime minister slammed the launch.

Kisihda Fumio said, "We strongly condemn the launch as an outrageous act. In response to it, I have instructed officials to check for possible damage caused by falling objects, to thoroughly collect and analyze information, and cooperate with allies."

Japan's largest rail operator temporarily halted bullet train service in northern Japan as a precaution. Transportation officials also issued a warning to air traffic around the country.