North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Thursday, according to defense authorities in Japan and South Korea.



The missiles flew up to 800 kilometers before splashing down in the sea, with none entering Japan's exclusive economic zone. The Japan Coast Guard says no vessels were damaged.



South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles were fired over the span of more than an hour beginning around 8:00 a.m., from an area near the eastern coastal city of Wonsan.



It marks Pyongyang's first known ballistic missile activity since March 10.





Japan protests



Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen condemned the launches as a serious matter affecting public security and a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.



Nakatani told reporters in Tokyo that Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea, and will continue to monitor the situation.



He also said the Japanese government will continue working closely with the United States and South Korea to ensure the safety of people's lives and assets.