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The Japanese government issued an emergency warning for Okinawa residents to take cover from a possible North Korean ballistic missile threat.
North Korea has admitted that its attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit failed, with the rocket exploding in mid-air.
South Korea and the US are investigating the launch failure, with intelligence agencies analyzing data to determine if the launch had an operational flight.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff detected fragments of the projectile in North Korean waters, and are working with US officials to determine if the launch was successful.
The missile was launched from Dongchang-ri, North Korea's main space flight center, but did not follow the announced trajectory.
Japanese defense officials believe the missile may have used liquid fuel, but are still analyzing the details of the launch.
North Korea has been working to develop a space-based surveillance network to counter perceived US military threats.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024.
Source: Japan issues 'stay indoors' warning after North Korea 'fires' missile, Pyongyang clarifies