Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan has requested a direct meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to address the long-standing issue of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang.
Speaking at an awareness campaign in Tokyo, Prime Minister Takaichi stated her decision to meet Chairman Kim Jong Un face-to-face. This is aimed at building a new and fruitful relationship between the two nations. She emphasized that resolving the abduction issue is the top priority for her cabinet.
North Korea admitted in 2002 to abducting 13 Japanese citizens during the 1970s and 1980s. These individuals were reportedly taken to train North Korean spies in Japanese language and customs. Japan, however, believes at least 17 citizens were abducted, with some sources suggesting an even higher number.
This is not the first time a Japanese leader has sought direct talks with North Korea over the abductions. Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Pyongyang in 2002 and 2004. He met with then-leader Kim Jong Il, securing the return of five abductees.
North Korea claimed the remaining eight of the admitted abductees had died. Before Takaichi, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed establishing liaison offices in Japan and North Korea to advance the issue, but this initiative never materialized.
Prime Minister Takaichi underscored the gravity of the situation. She affirmed she would employ all necessary means for this issue, which concerns the lives of the abductees and Japan’s national sovereignty.
Japan continues to coordinate with the United States on the matter. President Donald Trump notably met with families of Japanese abductees during his visit to Tokyo last week.
North Korea has not yet issued an official response to Prime Minister Takaichi’s request for a meeting.