Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa says his country is willing to help emerging and developing nations combat climate change. Those nations are collectively known as the Global South.

Hayashi accompanied ambassadors from nine countries on a trip to an offshore wind farm in the northern Japanese prefecture of Akita on Saturday. Envoys from India, South Africa and Mexico were among the participants.

Commercial operations have begun at two wind farms in Akita. A representative of the company that operates them said two farms can generate enough electricity to power more than 130,000 ordinary households.

Hayashi spoke to reporters afterwards. He referred to climate change as a "climate crisis" that is a challenge to all humankind. He said countries need to try to achieve the same goals by utilizing a range of technologies and energy sources.

The minister said Japan wants to help the Global South and other nations switch to other forms of energy. He added that Tokyo wants to help the countries make the transition in a way that does not undermine their economies.