North Korea missile launch sparks alarm in Japan

A missile launch by North Korea sparked confusion in northern Japan, where an evacuation order was issued and then retracted within 30 minutes.

Sirens blared across Hokkaido and residents were told to "evacuate immediately" on Thursday morning.

Authorities said the missile did not land near the island and withdrew the alert.

Tensions have been growing in the region, as North Korea has already fired 27 missiles this year.

The missile is believed to be of medium or longer range, but details on what weapon was tested on Thursday morning have not yet been made public.

Japan, South Korea and the US have condemned the latest test.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government would hold a National Security Council meeting on the launch.