Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed "profound shock and indignation" at Wednesday's deadly gun attack at a French satirical magazine in a message delivered to French President Francois Hollande, the Foreign Ministry said early Thursday morning.
"We categorically condemn any cowardly act of terrorism no matter what the motive may be," Abe said, adding, "we mourn all the victims and offer condolences from our heart to their families.
"At this difficult time, Japan is with France," he said.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida also delivered a similar message to his French counterpart, Laurent Fabius.
Following the shooting in Paris, the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo issued a travel advisory Wednesday night to people traveling to, or staying in, France, urging caution when visiting department stores, markets or other places that draw a large number of people.