TOKYO, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Japan's top government spokesperson Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday that Japan feels deeply sad after a fire ravaged the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Suga, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, made the remarks at a press briefing on the matter. "It was a loss for the world and we feel deeply sad," he said.

Suga conveyed his sympathy to French President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France for their loss.

"The Japanese government will consider providing support if requested by the French government," he said.

The cathedral has a special place in the hearts of some Japanese people for it holding a special memorial service for the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster that battered Japan's eastern seaboard and triggered a nuclear disaster.

Many Japanese people expressed their high regard and sympathy for the cathedral and the French people.