BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolences to Japanese Emperor Akihito over earthquakes that jolted southwestern Japan last week.

In the message, Xi said he was shocked by the news of the disaster, which has caused heavy losses of human lives and property damage in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture.

He mourned the dead and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the injured.

He wished that the Japanese people will overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes.

At least 42 people were killed and over 1,000 others injured after waves of strong quakes, including one measuring 6.5 magnitude and another 7.3 magnitude, rocked Kumamoto from late Thursday to early Saturday with over 500 aftershocks.