AKIPRESS.COM - North Korea may be preparing to launch a long-range missile within a week, Japan's Kyodo News has reported, citing an unnamed Japanese government official.

The official cited signs of possible preparations for a missile launch, based on analysis of satellite imagery of the North's Tongchang-ri missile test site on its west coast, reports ABC Online.

A Japanese government spokesman told a news conference that Japan was analysing information on movements concerning North Korea's missiles with "great interest".

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Koichi Hagiuda said the government would continue to cooperate with its allies to urge North Korea to refrain from "provocative action" and comply with UN resolutions.

South Korean defence ministry spokesperson Kim Min-Seok declined to confirm or deny the report, saying the ministry did not comment on intelligence matters.

He added, however, that South Korea's military was monitoring for any signs of a long-range missile launch.

The report came as the international community discusses fresh sanctions against Pyongyang for conducting its fourth nuclear test on January 6.

"The reclusive country's supposed action could be aimed at flouting the [UN Security] Council and any plans among its members to tighten sanctions over the latest nuclear detonation," Kyodo said in its report.