While the adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution to punish North Korea for its nuclear test May 25 was long awaited by Japan, swiftly following through on its key measure — nonmandatory inspection of North Korean cargo ships — may prove tricky for the tightly regulated Maritime Self-Defense Force.

To ensure the resolution, which includes additional financial sanctions, has an impact, Japan is expected to step up diplomatic efforts to secure cooperation from other countries, especially China, which has opposed tougher sanctions for ally Pyongyang.

Despite the prolonged talks and the failure to make cargo inspections mandatory as proposed by Japan and the United States, Japanese officials still appeared satisfied with the outcome.