New Japanese Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto was to brief his Chinese and South Korean counterparts Yang Jiechi and Kim Sung-Hwan on how Tokyo is handling the aftermath of the disaster, which has left 18,000 dead or missing.

The trio were also expected to discuss efforts to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table over its nuclear programmes and lay the groundwork for a Three way leaders' summit to be held in Japan, possibly in late May.

Ahead of the wider talks, Matsumoto thanked both Kim and Yang, after South Korea and China dispatched rescue teams to the disaster zone.

"We Japanese feel South Koreans are our true neighbours who offer help when we're in need. I extend my heartfelt appreciation as a representative of Japan," Matsumoto was quoted by Kyodo News as telling Kim in separate talks.

"We've been making all out efforts to support those affected by the quake and are resolved to overcome this major disaster."

In his meeting with Yang, Matsumoto who was named to his post just two days before the 9.0 magnitude quake said he hoped Tokyo and Beijing could move forward after a bitter row last September sparked by maritime collisions.