The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to impose sanctions on North Korea following recent missile tests.
The resolution demands UN members bar exports and imports of missile-related materials to North Korea and that it halt its ballistic missile programme.
The move comes after North Korea test-fired seven missiles including a long-range Taepodong-2 - believed to be capable of reaching Alaska.
North Korea has said it "totally rejects" the resolution.
'Unambiguous message'
Japan had produced its draft resolution for the 15-member Security Council just days after tests earlier this month.
To avert a veto from China, the resolution does not mention Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, which authorises the use of force.
It requires all UN members to prevent imports from or exports to North Korea of materials that could be used in weapons of mass destruction.
The resolution underlines the need for North Korea "to show restraint and refrain from any action that might aggravate tension".
And it calls for Pyongyang to return to six-nation talks over its nuclear programme.
"The council has acted swiftly and robustly in response to the reckless and condemnable act of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Chintaro Ito said.
US Ambassador John Bolton said the resolution sent "an unequivocal, unambiguous and unanimous message to Pyongyang".
He said that if North Korea did not comply with the resolution, the council could consider further action.
