Japan considers implications of top DPRK leader's death

TOKYO, Dec 19 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told government officials Monday that they should consider a number of eventualities following the death of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

As the central government's information gathering operations moved into top gear, the Japanese leader held a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, the foreign ministry said.

Japan will also be in close contact with China and the United States concerning the issue, government officials said.

A series of emergency meetings between Noda and his key security advisers convened Monday, following Noda's receipt of the news.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura, the government's top spokesperson, told reporters that there were various issues to be considered.

However, Fujimura said a conclusion as to whether Japan would officially raise its level of alert had not been reached yet.

Fujimura added that, despite Noda canceling a planned speech after receiving news of Kim's death, his schedule, including an upcoming visit to China, will remain unchanged.

Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa, meanwhile, gave orders to his ministry to enhance working-level talks between Japan's Self-Defense Force and the coast guard, in conjunction with operations by South Korea and the United States, officials said.

Ichikawa said that he instructed his ministry to do everything to "establish an alert, monitoring stance."

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano said Monday that the financial fallout from Kim's death would be closely monitored.

He added that any moves that may have an adverse effect on Japan's economy would be closely eyed.

"There are some temporary movements, but we will calmly monitor developments regarding the medium- and long-term prospects," Edano said.

Kim Jong Il, top leader of the DPRK, passed away Saturday at the age of 69, the DPRK's offic! ial KCNA news agency reported Monday.

He died "from a great mental and physical strain at 08:30 (2330 GMT Friday) on Dec. 17, 2011, on a train during a field guidance tour," the report said. (Xinhua)