Embassies in Tokyo have started emergency steps such as moving their functions to the Kansai region or flying diplomats' families out of Japan amid concern over radiation from the crisis-hit Fukushima nuclear plant.
While the government expressed understanding over their decisions, officials urged the embassies and foreigners living in Japan to stay calm.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said Thursday morning he understood their actions because foreign governments are not in control of dealing with the stricken reactors, but he stressed that Japan is issuing its information and warnings based on scientific data.