Japan reels after Algeria deaths confirmed

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan was left reeling on Tuesday after the deaths of at least seven nationals in the Algerian desert siege, with calls for greater protection for those working abroad and a realisation that its citizens are not immune from terrorism.

Newspapers and television programmes carried extensive coverage of the late night confirmation of what the country had been dreading, with the respected business daily Nikkei saying the anger Japan felt was "abominable".

Moments after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the nation that seven of those working with or for plant builder JGC in the Sahara desert had been killed, company spokesman Takeshi Endo paid tearful tribute.

"We lost many capable employees. I cannot find the right words," said Mr Endo as he choked back sobs. "It's just unbearable".