Japanese PM issues missile alert in wake of crypto ETF warnings

Japan’s Prime Minister has warned Thursday morning (JST) about about the launch of a “possible ballistic missile” from North Korea, but the issue stirred suspicion of political motive with X users. The alert follows a warning earlier this month from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) about threats to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds.

“North Korea has launched a possible ballistic missile. We will keep you updated as soon as we have further information,” reads the alert, posted to social media platform X at 7:19 a.m. on September 12 (JST).

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida followed up the announcement soon after with a contingency plan for dealing with such threats. However, given the current political climate in Japan and abroad, the missile warnings fell flat on the ears of some users in Japan.

The contingency plan post on X called for making “every effort to gather and analyze information” and to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, while keeping the public aware of what is going on.

The development in Japan comes just after the United States FBI has issued warnings from across the pond that cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may also be targeted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The FBI’s announcement noted: “North Korean malicious cyber actors conducted research on a variety of targets connected to cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over the last several months.”

Some Japanese X users suspect other motives

Japan remains embroiled in a political debate over amending Article 9 of the country’s constitution, which has to do with the Japanese military’s ability to wage war and participate in violent conflicts overseas. Currently, the government takes a self-defense only stance.

One comment on the PM’s post stated: “a clever move to amend the constitution.” Another said “yeah, yeah, the same as usual.” User @news_kyodo noted that “the presidential election is approaching.”

Controversy over Japan’s upcoming change of prime minister, and extreme political unrest in the United States media has added to the foreboding atmosphere.

北朝鮮 弾道ミサイルの可能性あるもの 日本のEEZ外に落下か | NHK | 北朝鮮 ミサイル https://t.co/G55MJmNase

— 鷽野囀里 (@usonosaezuri) September 11, 2024

Warnings of North Korean ballistic missiles have been commonplace in Japan in the last decade, with members of the public polarized as to the the significance (or lack thereof) of these events. Users of X asked the prime minister where the missile was, as other outlets reported it had already fallen outside of Japanese exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

There has been no update, as of writing, from the prime minister’s official account.

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