The Japanese government says North Korea fired two ballistic missiles on Wednesday that fell into the Sea of Japan. It has condemned Pyongyang's actions and lodged a protest through diplomatic channels.

Japanese Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu says, "Both ballistic missiles fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone east of the Korean Peninsula. They may have flown in an irregular trajectory. Analysis is still underway."

Japan's Defense Ministry says the missiles were launched near North Korea's west coast around 3:29 a.m. and 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Both reportedly traveled eastward about 550 to 600 kilometers.

The launches mark the 13th time this year that Pyongyang has fired ballistic missiles or projectiles using ballistic missile technology.

They followed the US and South Korea's inaugural meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group on Tuesday in Seoul to discuss Washington's extended deterrence.

They also came hours after a US nuclear-armed submarine made a port call in South Korea for the first time in four decades.

A Japanese government official says the missile launches are likely in response to these moves, which are aimed at increasing deterrence against the North.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a series of threatening statements this month.

She recently said the July 12 launch of the new Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile was just the beginning of the country's military offensive.