NHK reported that in response to North Korea’s launch of an ICBM on March 24, the GOJ decided at a cabinet meeting on Friday that it will impose additional sanctions on North Korea by freezing the assets of four Russian entities and six North Korean and three Russian individuals for their involvement in Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. The network said that the United States has already designated these entities and individuals as targets of its asset freeze. Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno told reporters: “North Korea is increasing its nuclear and missile activities. It has taken no specific steps to resolve the abductions. Japan urges the DPRK to take concrete actions to address such concerns as the nation’s abductions of Japanese nationals and its nuclear and missile development. We will seek denuclearization of North Korea in close cooperation with the United States, South Korea, and the rest of the international community.”