U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney voiced support Tuesday for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's determination to keep Ground Self-Defense Force troops in Iraq.
Terrorists holding three Japanese hostage there have threatened to kill them if the troops are not withdrawn.
"It is important that our governments not be intimidated by threats or violence (by thugs) who resort to this kind of action," Cheney said in a forum on U.S.-Japan relations at a Tokyo hotel before his departure for Beijing later in the day.
He said the United States is ready to support Japan's efforts to obtain the hostages' release.
"The world shares your outrage today at the barbaric kidnapping of three Japanese citizens in Iraq and stands with you in your determination to bring your people home safe," he said.
"We are hopeful that the hostages can be returned as quickly as possible in good shape."
He welcomed Japan's deployment of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq, calling it a "positive development."
Emperor issues plea
Emperor Akihito appealed for the release of three Japanese civilians being held hostage in Iraq, in talks Tuesday with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, officials said.
"I am deeply concerned and wish that they be immediately and safely released," the Emperor was quoted as saying in the meeting at the Imperial Palace, where Cheney was paying a courtesy call.
The Emperor also touched on the presence of Japanese troops in Iraq, saying, "The Self-Defense Forces have been dispatched to offer reconstruction assistance, such as supplying water and medical services."