A Japanese Foreign Ministry official says North Korea is willing to allow nuclear inspections in conjunction with the resumption of the six-party nuclear talks.

Voice of America, the U.S. government's external broadcasting service, said Sunday that if that is true, it would be the first sign of flexibility on North Korea's part since it started boycotting the talks more than a year ago.

The reports also quoted Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso as saying the substance of the talks is more important than when they are held.

Aso also said North Korea's acceptance of United Nations nuclear inspectors might set the direction for the next round of talks.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Aso's comment on the inspections is more than wishful thinking, saying the Japanese government has been told that North Korea is prepared to readmit the inspectors.