Senior Japanese official winds up Pyongyang visit

Isao Iijima, an adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, wrapped up a four-day visit to Pyongyang and returned home Friday, North Korea's official media said.

"Isao Iijima, special counselor in charge of crisis management in Abe's Cabinet of Japan, and his companion flew back on Friday," said the (North) Korean Central News Agency.

While in Pyongyang, Iijima met with high-ranking officials including Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA).

His visit to Pyongyang came amid increased tension on the Korean Peninsula following the North's nuclear test in mid February.

With regard to his trip, South Korea earlier voiced its concerns that the trip may undermine efforts in forging a coordinated approach toward North Korea.

Iijima helped arrange former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's trips to Pyongyang for talks with then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2002 and 2004.