Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has met with the families of Japanese nationals who were abducted by North Korea, promising to find a swift resolution to the issue. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office, where Ishiba expressed his commitment to addressing the abduction problem. This was the first time that Ishiba had met with members of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea since assuming office.
In a previous statement, Ishiba had announced plans to establish a liaison office in Tokyo and Pyongyang as part of efforts to resolve the abduction issue. However, Takuya Yokota, who represents the association, strongly opposed this idea. Yokota’s older sister Megumi was abducted by North Korea at the age of 13 in 1977. He argued that opening a liaison office would only provide North Korea with an opportunity to buy time and bring closure to the matter.
Instead, Yokota called for an immediate and comprehensive return of all abductees. The families affected by these abductions have been waiting for years for their loved ones’ safe return and are eager for concrete actions from both governments involved.
The meeting between Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and these families highlights Japan’s ongoing commitment to resolving this long-standing issue with North Korea. The government will continue its efforts towards finding a solution that brings closure and justice for those affected by these abductions.