N. Korea denounces Japan's record defense budget as 'war preparation'

North Korea on Saturday condemned Japan's plan to set a record-high defense budget for next year, calling it a move to prepare for a "war of aggression" and threatening to "counterattack thoroughly" with united strength. The condemnation came as Japan's defense ministry on Wednesday set its budget request for the next fiscal year at a record 8.9 trillion yen ($60 billion), with the final budget to…