Some 3,500 people paid their last respects at the funerals Saturday of two Japanese diplomats killed in an ambush in Iraq, with many sobbing as friends and colleagues of the two men offered eulogies.

Mourners made a long line before the Aoyama Memorial Hall, in Tokyo's Minato Ward, waiting to place flowers in front of images of Katsuhiko Oku, 45, and Masamori Inoue, 30.

Two rugby balls bearing hand-written messages, a uniform and a pair of rugby boots were placed on the coffin of Oku, who played the sport in his youth, while a photo album and "shochu" liquor were placed on that of Inoue.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a number of former prime ministers, politicians and foreign diplomats attended the funeral, arranged by the Foreign Ministry and the families of the men.

In a tearful speech, Koizumi lamented the loss of the two men's lives and vowed to continue their mission of helping to rebuild Iraq with the international community.

"When I think of them as diplomats, who had high aspiration and a (bright) future, I am deeply grieved," Koizumi said in a choked voice. "We will never forget your passion and achievements."

Shinichi Sakamoto, a childhood friend of Oku, said he once sent him an e-mail saying that there are times when one has to risk one's life to achieve good things.

"I told him to send (information) from Iraq so that Japan can make the right decision," Sakamoto said in his eulogy. "But I wonder if that was the right response."

A friend from Inoue's university days, Tadanori Ishibashi, said an e-mail he received from Inoue when his first son Kotaro was born two years ago showed his love for his family. Inoue's widow, Yukino, is expecting a second child in January.

Inoue was posted to Tunisia at that point and planning to go on a business trip to Cairo to attend a conference, the e-mail said.

"I must work for my family although I don't think there is a meeting more important (at this point) than meeting my family," Inoue was quoted as saying by Ishibashi.