As the prospects for peace improve, Japan cancels drills

Exercises scheduled for this fiscal year were designed to prepare the population for evacuation in case of a North Korean missile attack. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants a tête-à-tête with Kim Jong-un.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Hope for peace in Korea has affected Japan. The Japanese government has in fact decided to cancel nationwide evacuation exercises designed to prepare the population for North Korean ballistic missile launches.

The evacuation drills were planned in nine prefectures, including Nara, Niigata and Tochigi, in the current fiscal year through March 2019. Yesterday, a Japanese government source said that this year the exercises "will not be necessary".

The decision comes amid easing regional tensions, following the suspension of joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.

Excluded so far from Kim Jong-un's new diplomatic strategy, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has repeatedly stated that he is open to a meeting with the North Korean leader.

In addition to missile tests, Tokyo wants to resolve the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s.

Last year, North Korea launched 20 ballistic missiles, two of which over Japanese territory.

Tokyo has often been sceptical of North Korea’s promises, reiterating that it would not lower its guard.

Despite all the optimism, a spokesperson for the Japanese government said Japan would consider resuming evacuation drills if the situation surrounding North Korea becomes tense again.

At the same time, the government will maintain its plan to introduce two land-based Aegis Ashore batteries in fiscal 2023.

• japan
• north korea
• evacuation drills
• missile
• peace process