Nuclear Dawn in the Land of the Rising Sun

News that North Korea has tested an underground Nuclear weapon has bought widespread condemnation from people all over Japan.

The test has isolated the North Koreans even more, and has the potential to seriously change the atmosphere in the Asian area. Although the North Koreans don't have the potential to deliever a Nuclear strike in the form of a warhead, there are fears that a plane could drop a Nuclear bomb.

From www.bbc.co.uk

"The test, which South Korean media said took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province at 1036 (0136 GMT), has still to be confirmed.

But both the US and Japan said they had detected seismic waves. Russia said it was "100% certain" a nuclear test had occurred.

The size of the bomb is uncertain. South Korean reports put it as low as 550 tons of destructive power but Russia said it was between five and 15 kilotons. The Hiroshima bomb of 1945 was 12.5-15 kilotons. "

Full story at - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6033457.stm

The following is the full text of the announcement carried on North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency as reported on the Reuters news agency:

"The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great, prosperous, powerful socialist nation.
"It has been confirmed that there was no such danger as radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test as it was carried out under a scientific consideration and careful calculation.
"The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100%. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.
"It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it."

Also check out this link -

http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200610090122.html