Sea of Japan

The Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea) is a marginal sea located between Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and Russia. It is a region of geopolitical significance, often featuring in news related to North Korean missile tests. Recent events highlight this, with North Korea launching suspected ballistic missiles into the sea in January 2026, the second such launch that month. These tests are perceived as weapons demonstrations ahead of a major political congress in North Korea. Separately, the region surrounding the Sea of Japan has experienced severe weather. Record-breaking snowfall in Japan has caused dozens of deaths and injuries, disrupting daily life and even impacting the country's election process with polling stations closing early. The combination of geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events underscores the Sea of Japan's ongoing relevance and significance in regional and international news.