Present there were Ho Jong Man, chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), members of its Central Standing Committee, leading officials of organizations and enterprises of Chongryon and officials of the hall.

The participants paid respects to Generalissimo Kim Jong Il in deep reverence.

Ekan Ikeguchi said that the atmosphere of remembering Kim Jong Il pervaded the hall.

The successful launch of the DPRK's satellite is a fruition of the enthusiastic efforts made by scientists and technicians to carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il, he said.

He went on:

The DPRK could achieve such excellent success after overcoming trials and difficulties as the political leader and people form a harmonious whole.

I am convinced that the Korean people will always keep the sentiment of reverence for President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and achieve peace and prosperity of the country, united close around First Secretary Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of the DPRK.

Ho Jong Man said that the sentiment of respect and yearning of officials of Chongryon and Koreans in Japan for Kim Jong Il is running high day by day.

He stressed that they would carry out the behests of Kim Jong Il to the letter, hold the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un in high esteem with loyalty as the centre of the unity and leadership as hoped for by Kim Jong Il and work hard to achieve the reunification and prosperity of the country, improve the relations between the DPRK and Japan and promote friendship of the peoples of the two countries.