[TOKYO] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned North Korea's announcement that it had carried out a hydrogen bomb test on Wednesday, calling it a "serious threat" to Japan and a "grave challenge" to nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

"I strongly condemn this," Mr Abe told reporters.

"The nuclear test that was carried out by North Korea is a serious threat to the safety of our nation and we absolutely cannot tolerate this," he said.

Mr Abe suggested that the UN Security Council would take up the case as it violates past sanction resolutions.

"This clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions and is a grave challenge against international efforts for non-proliferation," he said.

"Our country, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, will take resolute measures by coordinating efforts with the United States, South Korea, China, and Russia, including dealings at the UN Security Council," Mr Abe said.

AFP