Japan rejects N Korean invitation to send observers to rocket launch

Japan: We strongly condemn your missile launch over our territory and hope you will refrain from carrying it out.

NK: Ahem. It's a rocket, not a missile, and we can assure you that --

Japan: It's a MISSILE test, and we know it!

NK: Well, come and see, then. We'll show it to you and you'll see it's a rocket.

Japan: Huh?? Umm... etttoooo... No! We don't need to go and see it. We already know it's a missile.

NK: How?

Japan: Because we know.

NK: How do you know if you won't come and confirm it?

Japan: Just 'cause! Now leave us alone. It would be... yeah, that's it! It would be improper to attend.

NK: Improper to verify the conclusion you've jumped to?

Japan: This is very regrettable!

Anyway, "Japan has rejected an invitation from North Korea to send observers to a rocket launch that Tokyo and its allies say is a disguised missile test, officials said Tuesday."

Because if they actually accepted the invitation and realized NK might actually be trying to launch a rocket they couldn't sit back here ignorantly in Japan and claim whatever they want to claim. It's like the kid who sticks his hands out to block something he doesn't want to see and turns his head to its side and goes, "la-la-la-la-la" so he can hold onto his argument.

Japan and other nations jump up and down claiming it's a missile test and not a rocket -- so go SEE if it is or isn't!

I treat NK Rocket Launch and Japan's Arsenal Deployment as two separate events ! If Japan is not willing to send observers to NK's Rocket Launch they should invite NK obsevers to their military parade PAC-3 !

This is why Japan cant move forward. They are too stubborn and wont even go to see if it really is a rocket or not. If you ask me, I really think its a rocket. I think although North Korea may be an evil country, it sure is progressing forward while Japan is falling behind in almost everything. China is moving forward, both North and South Korea is moving forward and almost every other country outside of Japan is moving forward while Japan is moving backwards. It`s so sad!! Many Japanese people today study English, but can speak in English at all, Many Japanese products has become a bunch of crap and a lot of Japanese politicians are ripping off their own people on a daily basis. Japan and Japanese people should stop complaining about other countries and start to work to improve their own country.

If this turns out to be a rocket as the North Koreans say, than the Japanese will really look like a bunch of fools!!!

smith, LMAO, perhaps Japan has already realized if the rocket is harmless. only want to move PAC-3 into western part of japan.

alladin, so you think the US will send an observer even if Japan won't?

I dont think it is only that the Governments are too stubborn to admit that they might be wrong, they also want to give their citizens the impression that North Korea are the bad guys in any situation and the American-Japanese are going to be the saviors and the heroes.

That is also a way to get support from their own citizens and to distract them from other problems (Radiation, inflation, debt, etc)

Japan should send a team, with bags packed full of I-pads, fruit, pens, AV-DVDs, AKB48 DVDs, Disney land souvenirs, sonny Walkmans, Nitendo 64s, underpants of silk, wearing suits of gold and huge amounts of tobacco. Then claim it's unfair to confiscate these items and come home.

The reason Japan nor almost any other country will send observers is because that would give the appearance of legitimizing the launch. It would give NK a propaganda victory. It's a pretty simple reason, but one obviously missed by many here. This launch has been condemned by pretty much every country in the region and the UN, the only ones cheering it on are NK and those with an axe to grind.

UnagiDon: "The reason Japan nor almost any other country will send observers is because that would give the appearance of legitimizing the launch."

So what if it's a legitimate launch? I think that's what it really comes down to -- the powers that be are scared they might be wrong, and need to save face.

"It would give NK a propaganda victory."

It already has. You have many Western countries declaring it's a missile but when given the chance to verify they simply refuse and continue to claim it's a missile.

"This launch has been condemned by pretty much every country in the region and the UN, the only ones cheering it on are NK and those with an axe to grind."

Agree with that, more or less, but it's not about 'cheering for the launch', it's about verifying facts, and 'pretty much every country', as you state, stubbornly refuse to out of appearances, and appearances only. We've seen this before, especially with the US.

Cricky: "Japan should send a team, with bags packed full of I-pads, fruit, pens, AV-DVDs, AKB48 DVDs, Disney land souvenirs, sonny Walkmans, Nitendo 64s, underpants of silk, wearing suits of gold and huge amounts of tobacco. Then claim it's unfair to confiscate these items and come home."

Despite the fact that they know they could be jailed for trying to bring them in? Yeah, smart idea, Cricky.

Seriously, you think...?

smith, read Chosun Ilbo or the Korea Herald to find out what SK are saying about this Taepodong 2 launch and how DPRK are preparing the unveiling of an even bigger IC ballistic missile for April 15th.

Several interesting articles on the front page here: http://english.chosun.com/

I was was trying to give the powers that be an option, for further decrying the unfairness of their treatment at the hands of this regime. Fruit? Gold suits? Dude might be illegal but hardly 10 kg of smack?

Smith, that was pretty much what I was thinking when I read the article. Oh Japan, how I weep for you. Stubborn and sliding deeper and deeper into oblivion. First country to commit suicide?

I like how everyone here is an expert on political science. Every action a nation does in the international arena sends a message and sets a stance for the rest of the world. Normal people like you and me may not think anything about sending observers to North Korea, but Japan's allies and rivals and competitors will each draw their own conclusions from an acceptance or refusal.

Japan has, from the very start, been opposed to North Korea's militaristic programs, simply for the reason that their previous leader was pretty much a diplomatic time bomb, and almost entirely enigmatic. The only facts the world knew was that North Korea had nuclear capabilities, and that North Korea is a communist state, surrounded by democratic (or at least republics) countries.

Anything remotely resembling North Korea's ability to launch an actual nuclear warhead to another country was met with reasonable alarm. Naturally, developing rocket technology capable of sending a satelite into space is equal to being able to fire a nuclear warhead. All North Korea needs is the aiming practice. This is the reason why any attempt to launch anything remotely resembling a rocket or missile has been met with consternation by US and its allies, not the least of which is Japan, who sits right beside Korea, and has a history of conflict with the country, from world war 2 to the Korean war, when Japan was a firm US ally.

Japan, US and the coalition of countries informally allied against North Korean nuclear missile ambitions have thus always presented a solid wall of denouncement against North Korea for the past decades. By these formal, international "protests" against those rocket launches, they informally confirm and reciprocate each other's mutual support against North Korea. Now, imagine what will happen if Japan were to unilaterally decide to accept North Korea's invitation to observe the launch? The least damaging conclusion Japan's international allies will make is that they are being inconsistent, and that the acceptance is irrelevant to their own relations. The most damaging could be that they are trying to buddy up with a still-nuclear armed, still-communist state that everyone else has been opposing for the past couple of decades.

Put that perspective into the bigger picture. Japan's armed forces are still called the "self defence force". Their constitution still prohibits any kind of offensive military activity, except for abovementioned self-defence. China, South Korea and other neighbours are still angry about Japan's wishy-washy attitudes on apologising for the war atrocities of the second world war. Constitutional monarchy though it may be, Japan's imperial line still exists, which was the motivating point for Japanese imperialism during the second world war. The list goes on.

Now consider the North Korean side of the story. Prior to the change in leadership, entries and exits to and from the communist state was closely monitored and filtered. The police and military are under the full control of the government, and the entire state is ruled by its iron fist policies. Take the abovementioned japanese abductions into account. The change in leadership is a dynastic one, made from father to son. Even if the son did not grow up being inculcated by the father's ideals, even if he is opposed to the previous leadership's actions, even if he is willing to make amends and disarm his country's nuclear armaments for aid and international relations, the changeover is too short. There has been precious little news out of the communist state beyond tentative overtures, and this rocket launch.

The actions by North Korea so far are, in the best case scenario, puzzling and inconsistent. In the worst case, it may reflect anything from subterfuge to an internal power struggle between the new leader and the military elements.

Would you send your scientists and reporters into such a country, possibly sending the message to the world that you are endorsing the rocket launch, which you have been opposing for the past 2 decades, and putting the lives of those you send in danger, if you were Japan?

Come on, I'm not even a political science major and even I can tell what the answer should be. If I can, you can bet your bippie North Korea can as well. They pretty much KNEW in advance that Japan was going to have to say no to their invitation, due to their other international relations. Do you actually think they were really going to welcome Japanese observers with open arms?

Almost everyone commenting in JapanToday has bashed the japanese government for being naive and childish in their handling of the fukushima disaster. But if anyone actually believes that Japan would have done more good than harm by agreeing to the invitation, I'd have to label them as even more naive. A child could see that it would have trashed Japan's image in the eyes of allies and competitors alike.

SmithinJapan, you said it correctly. I am so sick and tired of the Western Countries and even Japan telling others what not to do when yet they do it themselves. Who is Obama to tell North Korea not to build a nuke when yet they continue building and testing. North Korea says this is not a nuke, they invite countries and the countries decline. Who is at fault here? I don't remember seeing Cuba or North Korea start a war. They have tried to protect themselves but that is about it. It seems that these days, America says either do our way or we will declare war on you or declare sanctions on you. It is the politician's way of lining their pockets with more money. They then post their ships 200kms of a coast and shoot rockets into cities killing innocent women and children. Now tell me who the terrorists are.

Alright. Japan is in the wrong. They were invited to come and inspect it. Furthermore turned down a chance to be shown a new face.

There fore we can continue not to believe anything Japan government says.

SmithinJapan wrote it up perfectly.

Smithinjapan

So what if it's a legitimate launch? I think that's what it really comes down to -- the powers that be are scared they might be wrong, and need to save face.

NK has a long history of being extremely unreliable on this issue. They have test fired missiles in the general vacinity of their neighbors, and any 'sattelite' launches in the past have not resulted in any detectable space hardware payload left orbiting the earth. Not to mention the poverty and famine in the past that has beset the North Korean people whilst their Dear Leader spent his money on developing weapons technology. Japanese observers would legitimize the operation, AND, if North Korea really wanted to show they are launching a sattelite, why not release some images or footage to the rest of the world to, you know, put their minds at ease and bury the hatchett, so to speak. Moneyyen

Who is Obama to tell North Korea not to build a nuke when yet they continue building and testing. North Korea says this is not a nuke, they invite countries and the countries decline. Who is at fault here? I don't remember seeing Cuba or North Korea start a war

Whilst I am no fan of the US nuclear weapons arsenal, you must be kidding about the rest. If you don't think North Korean is a provocative country with a bad history of abusing it's own people as well as having a scant disregard for the political stability in their region then you must be from Mars.

Did anyone stop to think that it would be really awkward to be in the middle of NK as a Japanese delegate if Japan or the US did decide to blow up the rocket midair....

Oh, and what I don't get is why can't they aim the rocket towards one of their allies such as China? Am I missing something here about physics/rotation of the earth, but it seems like they should be able to tilt it and launch it away from SK/Japan? Problem solved, everyone happy.

You all need to back this discussion up to the part where DPRK shouldn't even be thinking about testing a rocket (which also happens to serve as a ballistic missile) let alone attempting to put anything in orbit while they are demanding and accepting food aid from other nations.

Launching a rocket and inviting others to come and witness NK's 'progress' is absolutely laughable as long as North Korea continues to operate concentration camp which starve, torture and brutalise hundreds of thousands and accepts food aid when just goes straight to the elites and not the people who need it the most. This rocket launch is a diversion, good on Japan for recognising it for what it is. The fact that the new leader priorities this over the suffering of the people he supposedly rules says so much.

Tamarama: "NK has a long history of being extremely unreliable on this issue."

I've said nothing to the contrary, and agree on this fact. All the more reason to go make sure it's not a missile this time, right?

"Not to mention the poverty and famine in the past that has beset the North Korean people whilst their Dear Leader spent his money on developing weapons technology."

Agree with you there as well. While you can point a finger at any country in the world and show how they misuse money that could help the desperate -- Japan very much included -- but one big difference here is the level of poverty that plagues North Korea as a whole when they are wasting so much money on this. That though, I believe, is a slightly different issue.

"Japanese observers would legitimize the operation, AND, if North Korea really wanted to show they are launching a sattelite, why not release some images or footage to the rest of the world to, you know, put their minds at ease and bury the hatchett, so to speak."

Again, Japan has legitimized the operation more than anything by refusing to go and obstinently sticking to their position that it's a missile. Like I said, it reminds me of a child, or the US government when it came to WMDs for that matter, being offered a chance to see that it's not how said child says, but of course the child simply doesn't want to be proven wrong so ceases to listen. Japan and other nations have already DECIDED it's a missile without ANY facts at all, and have invested so much bombast in it that even going to check it out would show a measure of doubt and they would lose face. As for NK showing pics, that would be a great solution, but last I checked a lot of governments don't usually make new technologies or what not all that available to the public eye until after they've been revealed 'on stage'.

BobbySmith: "Oh, and what I don't get is why can't they aim the rocket towards one of their allies such as China? Am I missing something here about physics/rotation of the earth, but it seems like they should be able to tilt it and launch it away from SK/Japan? Problem solved, everyone happy."

Something called the Pacific Ocean, which is not a land mass to the south, like China is. If they fired it over China it would more or less guarantee that any debris which might fall would hit land, whereas there is very little chance it would on the path they've chosen. It's not physics so much as it is Geography. And yeah, they get to scare the pants of the Japanese government in the process, which while of course being very irresponsible, probably tickles the NK regime pink.

moneyyen: "SmithinJapan, you said it correctly. I am so sick and tired of the Western Countries and even Japan telling others what not to do when yet they do it themselves. Who is Obama to tell North Korea not to build a nuke when yet they continue building and testing. North Korea says this is not a nuke, they invite countries and the countries decline. Who is at fault here? I don't remember seeing Cuba or North Korea start a war. They have tried to protect themselves but that is about it. It seems that these days, America says either do our way or we will declare war on you or declare sanctions on you. It is the politician's way of lining their pockets with more money. They then post their ships 200kms of a coast and shoot rockets into cities killing innocent women and children. Now tell me who the terrorists are."*

What a interesting piece of fiction you wrote/ranted, or was it comedy? I couldn't quite tell. You don't remember North Korea starting a war? well that's because you probably weren't alive during the Korean war that was started by the North when they invaded the south. Protecting themselves? how about feeding themselves? how about not spending the highest % GDP in the world on military while their entire country starves to death?

America, the UN and the REST of the world is simply saying that an unstable, sabre rattling, provocative, unpredictable, poverty stricken dictatorship shouldn't have Nuclear weapons let alone let alone the ability to launch one to any one of it's neighbouring enemies, but hey what do they know? your some guy on the internet so you're qualified to know better then any of them about political science or dealing with a militarized dictatorship.

I don't see how any politicians can "line their pockets" by denouncing this, in fact the U.S is trying to give Food Aid to North Korea hoping they stop these provocative actions.

You're disposition towards the west may be justified in other theatres but you are way off course if you think you can gain some sort of merit by calling out North Korea as the victims here.

I'm getting sick of American double standards where it's totally fine for the US to have nukes, ANYWHERE ON THE PLANET, but if any other country, Iran, NK, etc., even fire a rocket, they throw a hissy fit and toadying Japanese politicians come away with brown noses.

...remember all the hoohaa about 'weapons of mass destruction' in Iraq ? - then what happened ?

Japan invites NK generals to send observers to Okinawa.to rocket destruction.

Perhaps they are afraid the inspectors may go the same way as Hans Blix...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXNJMP8ir4

or, seriously;

a) they don't want to be humiliated when they fire a missle over Japan anyway.... b) they don't want to be humiliated when they find out it actually er, is...a rocket like NK says it is.

Why didnt Japan lending their rocket launching site for the North Koreans to launch their rockey and satellites? That will be a win-win senario!

jamurai: "b) they don't want to be humiliated when they find out it actually er, is...a rocket like NK says it is."

Exactly. Even when NK fires their rocket and it probably fails and falls into the Pacific somewhere past Japan, they can still hummm and hah and have their people claim it was a missile because they never bothered to go and verify if it was or wasn't.

I was thinking it might be interesting to open a website of pictures of missles and rockets and see who can tell the difference by just looking at the picture. The punchline is that a missile is type of rocket ergo they are not mutually exclusive things. (sigh)

So if Japan sends people to NK to observe the launch it won't tell them it is or isn't a missle. Hardly matters anyway. Its not like you could not put a warhead on top of a Saturn V (Apollo program) and make an instant missle that way, is it?

Regardless, it makes no difference. NK made an agreement to stop shooting rockets. That is really all one needs to know.

Hell I'll go! Gimme a ticket!

Smith, North Korea has no business wasting resources on launching a "satellite". Any peaceful information can be obtained from other countries that already have satellities that traverse North Korea. That a country that can't feed it's own people or keep the lights on is doing this to "commemorate" their new Dear Leader is a joke, just like your nonstop attempts to ridicule Japan, whose position is the same as every other country except North Korea itself. Yes it;s a missle test, yes a 100 kg "satellite" is a joke, the world knows it and no one is going to legitimize this nonsense by pretending it's a "peaceful" satellite launch. Actually I think at this point you might well be the only one on the planet that beleives what North Korea says.

Agreeed, Ossan. There can be no apologizing for a brutal regime that starves it's own people while it puts on an expensive show of launching what could easily be converted into a weapon system. The Japanese have their national interests to protect and NK with a rocket that could drop a nuke on Tokyo is unacceptable. Who knows what blackmail the dear pudgy leader would get up to then?

And that's the difference between why it's OK for the US to have nukes and why it's wrong for NK to be allowed to have them. Whatever you want to say about US foreign policy the only countries that have ever had cause to fear US nukes (after WWII) are the USSR and China. Neither of those countries runs about threatening their neighbors for extortion. Neither is a supporter of terrorism. You may not like them, or the US, but at least they are rational about the consequenses of nuclear war. NK? Nope, they're not rational.

If North Korea wants to launch a rocket that is hauling a satellite into near earth orbit and has invited other countries to send observers into NK to verify that this is not a weapons delivery test why not accept the invitation? How can NK ever enter into the world community if other more advanced countries to not allow NK the same opportunities to advance via technology? It appears that NK is willing to allow open observance and is making a move toward improving relationships by allowing an inspection of this launch vehicle. Shooting down another countries satellite launch is not wise as it sends a signal of hostility. The US,Japan and other concerned governments should trust but confirm instead of merely claiming this launch as an subversive test of a weapons system. The fear of NK is over blown IMO..They would themselves be nuked into oblivion should they ever attempt launching an Nuclear attack on Japan or any other country. Plenty of nuclear warheads are aimed art NK and ready for deployment within a minutes notice.

smithinjapanApr. 03, 2012 - 01:40PM JST

Japan and other nations jump up and down claiming it's a missile test and not a rocket -- so go SEE if it is or isn't!

Japan and their allies such as the U.S. doesn't have to "go and SEE it" because we have spy satellites that can take pictures of the newspapers that people sitting on park benches are reading, so well defined that we can actually read the text.

The only reason why N.Korea would invite nationals is to kidnap them and hold them for political ransom. N.Korea has a well documented history of doing this sort of behavior, not only to the Japanese, but to the U.S. and other allie countries.

41 comments and nobody volunteered to make the trip! I will state that I will go and wheen I come back I will attest to what I saw and and just how the NK's treated me. I think Japan makes it's own problems and I will represent Okinawa - a country I dearly love. Say the word and I will be in Okinawa within one day. Ready to make the trip!

lol people are so naive. They invited Japanese to watch the launch im pretty sure they arent invited to inspect the rocket/missile. Obviously people dont see its all about nk trying to seem like they are peaceful. Well they sure got all the people who are saying japan is wrong. thats their plan fools. anyway if anything passes over japan it could be dangerous. just because japanese would observe the launch dosent mean it cant be dangerous for japan. even if it is a rocket. nk always lies anyways.

I am against attacking this launch unless it will impact within Japan. If the North will allow Japan to inspect the missile, they should go and view the launch. Of course any booster could be converted into an ICBM or converted from one. The Long March and Titan missiles were converted to peaceful use. Starving the North is wrong as well, just send them tons of that yummy American rice. Then add some of the older cheese, wheat and soy products. The Americans helped the Soviets in the 20's, this is no different.

Ossan: "Smith, North Korea has no business wasting resources on launching a "satellite". "

Says who? Are you in charge? Fat lot of good you've done thusfar.

"Any peaceful information can be obtained from other countries that already have satellities that traverse North Korea."

So what right did Japan have to launch it's missile -- err... HIIA rocket a couple of years back after several failures? I mean, couldn't the information be obtained from other countries that already have 'satellities' (sic) in space? Ah, wait.... that old double standard and hypocrisy thing.... damn.

"Actually I think at this point you might well be the only one on the planet that beleives what North Korea says."

I think you're about the only one... ummm... 'smart' enough to still think that if you don't agree with one nation's politics you must therefore agree with the other's. Nice going in painting yourself the fool as usual, Ossan. And might I add, Ossan is really an apt name, given your inability to see reason for your own anger and frustration.

peanut666: "Japan and their allies such as the U.S. doesn't have to "go and SEE it" because we have spy satellites that can take pictures of the newspapers that people sitting on park benches are reading, so well defined that we can actually read the text."

Keep dreaming, peanuts. If it were as clear cut as you say, there wouldn't be the mass hysteria and panic the Japanese media undergoes every time a rocket launch occurs. But hey, you think all J.J.Abrams as you like.

Bottom line is, peanuts, Ossan, et al, you guys simply cannot deny that NOT going to check is not stupid. You deflect, talk about this and that, talk about history like you actually know it, talk about the exact thing NK claims they want to launch into orbit (satellites), but you know for a fact that not going is tantamount to cowardice, but you just can't admit it. I bet if Obama said you should not check you guys would quickly demand the rocket be checked, but otherwise you are all hypocrites.

Reminds me of a certain president, some supposed WMD shelters, and a refusal to check them because it was already decided they existed without the need for intelligence. Ossan's probably a fan.

NK told many words about satellite. Also will be very important happy birthday. Also they doing many official operations with world for peace start. So if rocket would not go in space then NK break own reputation. I hope that J-gov are not forget about 8 people and many other problem with NK. So Japan is like lose peace relationship like Kurils. NK is demonstrate intention, calmness, power for peace. Japan is demonstrate intention for conflict. Japanese politics is so sad, so bad comedy.

NK need PR for own technology. They can not always sell little rocket to Iran. May be they need sell low cost way to space on little satellite. Also i sure that NASA or USA wall send people to see rocket and start. USA is wait while Japan and other countries rejects N Korean invitation. USA are need will be alone on that event.

BessonovYan, will Russia help their friends the Peoples Republic of Korea? Again Japan needs to step back, take a deep breath and think. How does the fact North Korea gaining a booster lose security for Japan? They already have missiles that can hit Japan. Calm down!

YuriOtani: I notice there's a lot less whining from Okinawa about the bases and US presence over the past few weeks. Care to comment? sorry.... what I meant was, care to finally admit the truth?

@YuriOtaniApr. 04, 2012 - 06:09AM JST

They already have missiles that can hit Japan.

Am i right understand that Japan unarmed and no defense by US Army? Why many words about Patriot, Aegis and other? Be happy!

Smithinjapan

Again, Japan has legitimized the operation more than anything by refusing to go and obstinently sticking to their position that it's a missile. Like I said, it reminds me of a child, or the US government when it came to WMDs for that matter, being offered a chance to see that it's not how said child says, but of course the child simply doesn't want to be proven wrong so ceases to listen

Oh, I think people around here like to accuse the Japanese of being 'childlike' from time to time, but that's disingenuous - the responsibility for the world being suspicious about these launches does not lie with Japan or the US, it's entirely NK's fault. If anyone were to be accused of being childlike it has to be NK. The games, broken promises, smoke and mirrors, lies, deceit, crackpot rhetoric - it all means that the onus of responsibility to prove that they are a country to be trusted, a reliable neighbor, lays entirely on their shoulders. Because, what happens if these observers go to watch the launch and they fire missiles, not sattelites? Given their track record, it's not beyond the realms of possibility, is it? So I see this decision by the Japanese as prudent at this stage, not childlike.

smithinjapan, Do not think North Korea will attack Okinawa unless the bases are used against them in a conflict. In a real way the American bases put Okinawa at risk. Again Japan needs to stand aside, attacking this launch is an unprovoked act of war.

"NK has a long history of being extremely unreliable on this issue..."

Sorry to put it bluntly that quite a few Japanese politicians also "has a long history of being extremely unreliable on many issues... "

PT24881 Don't be sorry - I'm not disputing your claim, but I don't think it's relevent to this argument.

Marion Wm SteeleAPR. 04, 2012 - 02:44AM JST 41 comments and nobody volunteered to make the trip! I will state that I will go and wheen I come back I will attest to what I saw and and just how the NK's treated me. I think Japan makes it's own problems and I will represent Okinawa - a country I dearly love. Say the word and I will be in Okinawa within one day. Ready to make the trip!

Why do you need anybody to "say the word"? What are you waiting for? A personal invitation? Perhaps a free all expenses paid trip?

You obviously feel very strongly about this. Just go. Okinawa is waiting for you to ride in and save 'em.

DPRK will have invited representatives to the launch from Syria, Iran, Venezuela, etc. as potential future clients, but it will look so much better to have one happy party with reps from everywhere else at the same time. New world order with NK in the middle.

Actually Japan etc. bowing out kills two birds with one stone and makes life easier for NK, enabling them to concentrate on developing their bespoke rocket/missile/warhead market.

Illogical reaction indeed by turning down the invitation. Japan should have a spectrum of options to put the NK to the corner !

Now that the NK took dramatically the high moral ground, a few (incompetent) officials back in Japan sitting back to share the embarrassments...of sending a few ships down south & returning to the base empty handed, not to mention the dummy exercise that will merely cost tax payers' money for demonstrating how Japan acts like a 'big' power.

Please note, there is no such word as "missle," the word is MISSILE!

Maybe the N.Koreans want to invite all these foreign dignitaries because the weapon is not in the missile payload, but rather the exhaust from the launch will seed the visitors with some type of biological weapon. All the N.Koreans may of been vaccinated so that this weapon won't hurt them or their countrymen. After the launch all the foreigners will return to their countries via plane and infect many of the passengers as well.

Sound's ludicrous or ridiculous? It is as ludicrous as an innocent rocket launch to test missile capability and an underground nuclear test of a small payload sized nuclear bomb for geological testing.