The North Korean ballistic missile now in development is capable of hitting Japan. In May of 1993 it conducted its first test firing in the Japan Sea. Rodong 1 will likely be brought into production fairly soon, and 100 or more are estimated to be produced over the next five years. CIA Chief James Woolsey has testified that North Korea is presently developing even newer model ballistic missiles, which are called the Taipodong 1 and Taipodong 2. The range of Taipodong 1 is 1500 to 2000 kilometers, and the range of Tiapodong is 1500 to 3500 kilometers.
Japan is within the range of both models.
Taipodong 1 is based on the Rodong 1, while Taipodong 2 is a new development, and either can be loaded with a SCUD missile. These new type missiles are expected to be completed within five years. They present more than just a threat to nations in the Asian region. If they are sold in the Middle East and Gulf nations they will present a threat there as well.