Abe Pays Tribute to Ferry Disaster Victims

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited a memorial altar set up in Tokyo on Monday afternoon to mourn the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster.

"It saddens me greatly that many people including students were sacrificed. I would like to express condolences to the families of the victims," Abe said.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Vice Foreign Minister Akitaka Saiki also visited the altar.

Kishida told Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Byung-ki that Japan is "willing to provide any support" for the rescue efforts if the Korean government requests it.