Japan's Kyodo News says that Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has conveyed a message of support to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon regarding the U.N. chief's bid to seek a second term in office.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano also told a news conference Tuesday that he lends support to Mr. Ban's bid to seek another term.

Edano said he acknowledges Ban's role in having dealt with global issues and expects him to continue playing an important role in the international community.