"It is important to insist on the strong implementation of the UN Security Council sanctions [against Pyongyang] in line with the results of the North Korean-US summit. In view of the latter, we, in cooperation with the local population, postpone civilian [evacuation] drills. In addition, we will pay special attention to the J-Alert emergency warning system and the work on the plan of actions in case of [a possible missile flight and] fall of missile debris," Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference.
The drills, which were to be held later this year, have been suspended in nine prefectures. They were earlier carried out in two prefectures.
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The North Korean leader said he was ready to denuclearize and signed a corresponding agreement with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the inter-Korean summit in April.
In May, North Korea, in a gesture of goodwill, blew up three test mines at the Punggye-ri nuclear site, as well as destroyed security checkpoints and other facilities.
Japan launched its civilian evacuation drills last year after North Korea started carrying out its missile tests and announced the successful test of its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICMB).
