Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was one of the first world leaders to pay tribute to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose death was announced late Thursday.
As weeping mourners massed outside the Bangkok hospital where the king died, Abe issued a statement praising the king's achievements during his 70 years on the throne, a period that saw millions lifted out of poverty.
"As a spiritual support for the people, his majesty has led Thailand's remarkable development and advancement of the people's living standards," Abe said.