Japan is paying close attention to movements in North Korea, the government's top spokesman said Thursday, amid speculation that Pyongyang is poised to carry out a missile test to mark a key anniversary.

(Rodong Sinmun)

"We are gathering and analyzing a range of information so we can respond to any eventuality," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference.

"The government's most important duty is ensuring the safety and reassurance of our people, and we will take every possible measure to that end," Suga said.

He also confirmed that Japan is sharing information with the United States and South Korea.

Thursday is the 64th anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has a history of carrying out missile launches or nuclear tests on important anniversaries.

The country conducted its first test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4, and has stated its ambitions to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

It has already repeatedly launched intermediate-range ballistic missiles with ranges long enough to reach Japan.

The nuclear and missile tests, banned by the United Nations, have attracted multiple sanctions on North Korea by the international community.

Japan has called for stronger pressure, rather than a resumption of direct dialogue, to compel the North to halt its weapons programs.