The Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki expressed their serious concerns after media reported the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had conducted its third nuclear test on Tuesday.

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui and Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue separately announced on Tuesday evening to strongly protest against the DPRK's underground nuclear test reportedly carried out on the day, both criticizing that the implementation of the underground nuclear test is a reckless act that tramples on the local people's strong desire for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

"The action ignored the wish of the atomic bombing survivors and millions of others who seek the abolition of nuclear weapons and also gave a sense of strong resentment," Matsui said in his statement.

In Nagasaki, Taue also told reporters that he, as a representative of an atomic-bombed city, opposes any moves that could create more tension in the northeast Asian region, urging the DPRK to cooperate with international community to advance universal nuclear disarmament so that countries in the world can achieve a world without nuclear weapons.

Both cities also sent their letters of protest to leaders of the DPRK Tuesday.