Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has downplayed reports that North Korea is showing signs of preparing to test-fire a ballistic missile.

Koizumi told reporters Thursday that he thinks the possibility of the communist state firing a missile is low.

A government source in Tokyo also said that the North is unlikely to test-fire its Rodong ballistic missile, citing upcoming working-level talks on the issue of abducted Japanese nationals to North Korea, which will kick off on Saturday in Beijing.

Koizumi's remarks come after government sources said earlier on Thursday that Japanese and U.S. reconnaissance information indicated that North Korea may be preparing to either test-fire a Rodong ballistic missile or conduct a missile engine combustion test.