Japanese government officials say North Korea has told the International Maritime Organization of plans to launch what it calls an "artificial satellite" between May 31 and June 11. Japan has condemned it as a provocation against its national security.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio told reporters the Self-Defense Forces have been ordered to shoot down any incoming missile expected to fall in Japanese territory.

"Using ballistic missile technology would violate UN Security Council resolutions and could present a serious safety concern for the people of Japan," Kishida said.

Data from Japan's Coast Guard suggests the launch is not currently expected to carry a projectile into Japanese territory.

It has identified likely landing zones in the Yellow Sea and Pacific Ocean.

The Coast Guard has issued navigational warnings for those areas, and has called on ships to stay alert.

It comes after North Korea said it was making final preparations to launch its first military reconnaissance satellite last month. But Japan's government says it believes the operation is being used as pretext to launch a ballistic missile.