North Korea's claimed hydrogen bomb test poses a dilemma for Japan as strong action against Pyongyang could kill already stalled talks to resolve the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has said it "strongly condemns" the nuclear test and will seek a new U.N. Security Council resolution against Pyongyang as well as possibly imposing further bilateral sanctions on North Korea.
Compounding its view for a firm response is Japan's shift last year to nonpermanent member of the council and its turn as host of the Group of Seven summit this May.