TOKYO

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who died at age 101 on Friday, took the helm of the country in a pivotal time in the post-World War II era, incumbent Shinzo Abe said.

"We can't help but feel deep sorrow," Abe said in a statement. "Along with the people, I offer heartfelt condolences."

Abe praised Nakasone for having "established a rock-solid Japan-U.S. alliance based on strong trust with then U.S. President Ronald Reagan, strengthened the ties with Asian neighbors and raised our country's international status significantly."

He also pointed to Nakasone's leadership and achievements in structural reforms in the run-up to the 21st century.

At a press conference Friday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga called on all parties to hold constructive discussions on constitutional reform, as Nakasone had urged.

Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, told reporters that Nakasone "always looked at the big picture and history." The LDP faction led by Nikai is descended from Nakasone's faction.

Democratic Party for the People lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa, who served as home affairs minister in the Nakasone cabinet, issued a statement praising him as a "great leader who wrapped up postwar politics."

"We had fierce debates" while Nakasone was in office, former Japanese Communist Party leader Tetsuzo Fuwa said in a separate statement. "We were in opposite positions politically, but he was open to candid debates."

Jiji Press