Present there were Singo Kanemaru, chairman of the Japan committee for honoring the memory of General Secretary Kim Jong Il, Fumihiro Himori, chairman of the Japan Committee for Supporting the Independent and Peaceful Reunification of Korea, Kenichi Ogami, secretary general of the International Institute of the Juche Idea, and personages of organizations for friendship and solidarity with the Korean people.

Present there on invitation were Nam Sung U, vice-chairman of the Central Standing Committee of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), and other Chongryon officials.

The participants observed a moment's silence in memory of Kim Jong Il.

Speeches were made at the meeting.

Singo Kanemaru recollected with deep emotion that he was received by Kim Jong Il, praising his rare wisdom and humble and noble personality.

12 years have passed since the publication of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration but progress has not been made in normalizing the relations between the two countries, he noted.

Touching on the talks between the governments of the two countries, he sincerely hoped that they would continue without suspension.

Personages of the organizations for friendship and solidarity with the Korean people said the DPRK changed beyond recognition for the past three years since the demise of Kim Jong Il, adding it is a brilliant fruition of the wise leadership of Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the WPK who has devoted himself to implementing the behests of the preceding leaders.

Noting that the adoption of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration is a great exploit of Kim Jong Il, they evinced their will to intensify their activities for friendship between the two countries in the future.