Japan has asked Burma to allow its ambassador there to meet pro-democracy leader Ms Aung San Suu Kyi.
Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Mr Tetsuro Yano told a news conference that he made the request during a recent meeting in Burma with the country's Home Affairs Minister Mr Tin Hlaing.
Mr Yano left Burma on Monday and said a meeting with military intelligence chief Mr Khin Nyunt, third in command in the ruling State Peace and Development Council, had yielded few results.
He said he was told that the military government would make "their utmost effort to rectify the situation."
Ms Suu Kyi was taken into custody on May 30th, and her detention has drawn strong criticism around the world, including Japan, which has traditionally been more willing to engage with the military rulers in Rangoon.
Japanese government officials said yesterday that Tokyo could reverse its policy of engagement with Burma if the military government keeps Ms Suu Kyi in custody for more than a month.