Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a meeting of the Headquarters for Response to the New Zealand Earthquake at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Headquarters was established in response to the earthquake which struck New Zealand on February 22, 2011, in order to facilitate the timely and pertinent assessment of the situation, rescue of Japanese nationals, and provision of assistance to disaster areas.

The Prime Minister said, "I can only imagine how truly difficult this must be for the victims and their families.
At the outset, we offer our sympathy, and express our firm resolve to work hard in addressing this disaster.
As we just heard from the reports about the current situation, the Japan Disaster Relief Team is working hard with very high morale. I have also phoned Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand today and requested that the rescue operations be conducted thoroughly until the very end.
I ask that you do your utmost to support the families in providing information, assisting with their travel to New Zealand, and any other needs."