Fijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on Saturday sent a massage to his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan to offer his condolences to the victimes of the massive earthquake in the country.

"The news and images of the terrible earthquake and tsunami that has just hit Japan have filled me with dismay and sadness. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and with the men and women struggling to save those still entrapped in the rubble," Bainimarama said.

"On behalf of the government of Fiji and of its citizens, and on my own behalf, allow me to offer you and all your people our heartfelt condolences," he adds.

The Fijian prime minister also expressed the government's readiness "to provide assistance if needed and to work with your government to give relief to the affected communities."

Bainimarama wishes for Japan's swift recovery.

More than 1,000 people were feared killed by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck northeastern Japan and a massive tsunami it triggered on Friday, according to media reports.