North Korea quake possible `nuclear test`: Japan

Tokyo: The Japanese government said on Wednesday that an earthquake recorded in North Korea might have been caused by a nuclear test.

"Considering past cases, there is the possibility that this might be a nuclear test by North Korea," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the government`s top spokesman, said at a regular briefing, adding that Tokyo was analysing the situation.

He said senior officials from government agencies concerned were gathering at the prime minister`s office to share and analyse data.

Japan has taken steps in recent years to upgrade its intelligence-gathering capability including launching satellites to monitor North Korea, which has carried out previous nuclear tests and routinely threatens Japan.