North Korea launched an unidentified missile in a southwest direction today, the armies of South Korea and Japan said.

Earlier today, the Japanese government issued an urgent warning to residents of the southern prefecture of Okinawa to avoid the threat of a North Korean missile.

The warning was later lifted as authorities determined the missile would not reach Japanese territory.

A representative of the Japanese government said that there was a problem during the launch and a crash like an explosion was heard, reported NHK.

The missile disappeared from radar, the official said, adding that the launch was likely unsuccessful.

North Korea had previously informed Japan that it planned to launch a satellite between May 27 and June 4.