The Japanese government is considering holding an evacuation drill to prepare for a possible North Korean ballistic missile launch, government sources said Tuesday.
The plan is for the general population to be involved in the exercise, which would be the first of its kind.
In the drill, which will be held by March 2017, the government will relay emergency information to local municipalities through the J-Alert emergency advisory service.
The system, which is also used in the event of disasters, was tested in February following news that North Korea was preparing a rocket launch.
Announcements will also be made over loud speakers advising civilians of evacuation points.
Since fiscal 2005, large-scale counterterrorism drills have been held every year.
The government earlier this month extended its orders to the Self-Defense Forces to remain prepared for another three months to intercept North Korean missiles if they pose a threat.