Concern over the North Korean missile threat has led to the cancellation of a school trip to Guam, while local governments in Kyushu and northern Japan held or announced plans for local evacuation drills.
About 280 second-year students at Oita Hofu Senior High School in the city of Oita won't be going on a trip to Guam that had been scheduled for October. Principal Yasushi Sonezaki said Thursday the decision was made after taking into account the international situation — especially North Korea's threat to launch missiles to the waters near Guam. He said the school had to take into account students' safety and parents' concerns.
Staff at the school are discussing plans for a new trip within Japan.