"Liu devoted his life to the pursuit of freedom and democracy," the top Japanese government spokesman told a press conference. "I express my condolences from the bottom of my heart," he said.

On Chinese authorities' rejection of Liu's wish to receive medical treatment abroad, Suga said, "We'd conveyed the Japanese government's stance to Beijing through various channels." But he stopped short of giving Japan's assessment of China's handling of the matter.

Liu, who had been diagnosed as having terminal cancer, died of multiple organ failure at a hospital in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, northeastern China, on Thursday, according to an announcement by the city's judicial authorities. He was 61.

In 2009, Liu, an iconic figure in China's pro-democracy movement, was sentenced to 11 years on charges of subversion, with the ruling finalized in 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 while in prison.

At a separate press conference on Friday, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said, "Freedom, respect for basic human rights and the rule of law are universal values of the international community, and it is important that these are guaranteed in China as well."

Kishida urged the Chinese government to allow Liu Xia, the wife of Liu Xiaobo, who remains under house arrest, to leave China. "Appropriate steps should be taken," he said.

Leaders around the world also mourned the death of Liu Xiaobo.

The White House said in a statement that US President Donald Trump was "deeply saddened" to hear the news.

"The president's heartfelt condolences go out to...Liu Xia, and his family and friends," the statement said, noting that he "dedicated his life to the pursuit of democracy and liberty." (Jiji Press)