China, North Korea's main backer, has not yet given its official reaction to Kim Jong-il's death.

BBC: Kim Jong-il death triggers swift regional reaction

Mr. Iijima was a top adviser to former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and was deeply involved in organizing his visit to North Korea for talks with then-leader Kim Jong Il in the early 2000s, which led to the release of several Japanese abductees.

WSJ: Trip to Pyongyang Irks Tokyo's Allies