Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made a bold and emotional appeal to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, formally requesting a face-to-face meeting to resolve one of Japan’s most painful and unresolved tragedies — the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s.
North Korea admitted in 2002 that it had kidnapped 13 Japanese nationals to train its spies in Japanese language and culture. Tokyo, however, believes the real number is at least 17 — and many experts and families fear there are more still unaccounted for.
Speaking at a public awareness event in Tokyo, PM Takaichi emphasized her determination to finally close this chapter and bring answers — and hopefully loved ones — back home.
“To build a new and meaningful relationship between Japan and North Korea, I am committed to meeting Chairman Kim Jong Un face-to-face,” she said.
So far, Pyongyang has not issued any response to her outreach.
This issue has haunted Japanese politics for decades. Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi travelled to Pyongyang twice — in 2002 and 2004 — successfully securing the return of five victims. North Korea insisted the remaining abductees had died, a claim that Japanese families and authorities have long challenged.
More recent attempts, including proposals to establish diplomatic liaison offices between both nations, also stalled before progress could be made. Japan has continued to lean on international allies — including maintaining strong coordination with the United States — to keep global attention on the issue.
Takaichi reaffirmed her government’s stance clearly:
“This is a matter of national sovereignty and the lives of our citizens. I will use any means necessary. The abduction issue remains our top priority.”
For families who have waited decades — some who have grown old without answers — her message brings renewed hope. And for Japan as a nation, it is a reminder that diplomacy is not just treaties and policies — sometimes, it is a fight for human dignity and the right to bring people home.
Sometimes, leadership isn’t about power — it’s about heart, persistence, and never giving up on your people.
