Last year was the eternally unforgettable year when leader Kim Jong Il, the benevolent father of Chongryon and compatriots in Japan, passed away to their sorrow, the message said, and went on:

We keenly felt what a great man we have held in high esteem as our leader and father, covering the road of patriotism.

The achievements made by Chongryon last year with conviction and single-minded unity in an alien land despite manifold ordeals and difficulties are the fruition of the broad solicitude and wise and meticulous leadership of Kim Jong Il.

Chongryon officials and compatriots in Japan are determined to persistently carry out the Chongryon's cause of patriotism under your leadership by inheriting without deviation the undying feats performed by President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in the history of the Juche-based movement of Koreans in Japan.

Chongryon officials and compatriots in Japan will hold in high esteem to the end Kim Jong Il as the eternal sun of the nation and the great teacher of Chongryon with immovable faith and noble sense of moral obligation.

We will implement the behests of Kim Jong Il without fail in the new year and thus more firmly consolidate Chongryon to be overseas compatriots organization unfailingly loyal to you.

Your safety is the greatest wishes of all the officials of Chongryon and compatriots in Japan.

The message wholeheartedly wished him good health.