Japanese government officials are on high alert after authorities in North Korea made repeated hints about military provocations. The Japanese are in contact with their counterparts in the US and other countries. They fear the North Koreans could raise tensions around upcoming anniversaries, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. Earlier this month, activists in Seoul staged rallies against North Korea. Authorities in Pyongyang say the demonstrators insulted the dignity of Kim Jong Un. The North Koreans threatened to attack the South, without notice if the provocations targeting its highest leader are repeated. And Kim ordered the military to increase combat readiness. Japanese officials do not expect the North's policy toward Japan to change drastically, even after the ouster and execution of Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek. Jang was not directly in charge of the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals or the 6-party nuclear talks.