TOKYO: Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga suggested Monday that the government will take action against cyberbullying, following the death of a 22-year-old reality show celebrity and professional wrestler.

Suga told a press conference that the communications ministry had started discussions last month on the disclosure under a related law of information on those who made abusive and defamatory statements online.

"Based on the discussions, the government will take appropriate action," the top government spokesman said.

The remarks came after the death of Hana Kimura, a cast member of popular Japanese reality show "Terrace House," was reported on the weekend.

The circumstances of her death have not been made public, but there are views linking her death to abusive comments toward her on social media.

"We can't tolerate a situation in which many people are hurt by anonymous and heartless criticism," Jun Azumi, parliamentary affairs chief of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters Monday.

Azumi indicated that the opposition camp will consider legislation or other rules to end the situation.

JIJI Press