North Korea Amplifies Anti-Japan Rhetoric Amid Quiet Missile Tests

Beginning in July, North Korean outlets have launched a wave of attacks on Japan’s expanding military capabilities, including its purchase of U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, rising defence spending and the 2026 defence white paper, which KCNA called “re-invasion-minded.” Kim Yo Jong warned of “additional military options” in response, and the regime has also condemned the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, accusing the United States, Japan and South Korea of forming a “nuclear alliance.”

At the same time, Pyongyang has been unusually quiet about several recent ballistic-missile launches, suggesting the tests may involve modest upgrades or potential export items rather than headline-worthy new weapons. Analysts say the heightened rhetoric aims to portray the region as divided between a US-Japan-South Korea coalition and a North Korea-China-Russia bloc, seeking greater support from Beijing and Moscow and justifying its own nuclear arsenal.

South Korean officials noted that the criticism also targets Seoul’s plans for nuclear-powered submarines, which Pyongyang likens to a “second AUKUS.” The overall strategy appears designed to reinforce Pyongyang’s narrative of a deteriorating security environment.