Japan sanctions three groups and four individuals for supporting North Korea

Japan’s chief cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno announced the move (Kyodo News via AP)

The Japanese government has announced it will impose sanctions against three groups and four individuals for supporting North Korea’s missile and nuclear development programme.

Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said the sanctions, in tandem with the United States and South Korea, are in response to North Korea’s attempted launch of a spy satellite on August 24 and its firing of two missiles on Wednesday, as United Nations Security Council resolutions ban any North Korean launches using ballistic missile technologies.