Concern over the North Korean missile threat has led to the cancellation of a school trip to Guam, while local governments in Kyushu and northern Japan held or announced plans for local evacuation drills.

About 280 second-year students at Oita Hofu Senior High School in the city of Oita won¡¯t be going on a trip to Guam that had been scheduled for October. Principal Yasushi Sonezaki said Thursday the decision was made after taking into account the international situation ¡ª especially North Korea¡¯s threat to launch missiles to the waters near Guam. He said the school had to take into account students¡¯ safety and parents¡¯ concerns.

Staff at the school are discussing plans for a new trip within Japan.