At the November 3 national rally calling for the rescue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi revealed that she had conveyed her desire to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang.
Families of abductees voiced renewed hope that the new leader would take decisive action to advance progress on the issue.
Pin Hopes on Takaichi Cabinet
Takuya Yokota, who leads the association representing the victims’ families, is the brother of Megumi Yokota, abducted on her way home from school at age 13. Reflecting on their meeting with Takaichi on October 23 — two days after she took office — he said he “sensed the Prime Minister’s strong resolve and conviction.”
He expressed gratitude to the new Prime Minister for arranging a meeting between the victims’ families and United States President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo on October 28.
“We have full trust in the Prime Minister,” he said, adding, “I hope we can strengthen our relationship and work together to move forward.”
Megumi Yokota, smiling with dimples, during her elementary school’s 4th-grade sports day.
Yokota also reviewed remarks at past rallies by the then-prime ministers. In May 2023, Fumio Kishida first pledged to “conduct high-level discussions under my direct supervision” to realize a Japan–North Korea summit.
Just two days later, North Korea’s vice foreign minister responded briefly with a conciliatory statement, saying, “There is no reason why North Korea and Japan cannot meet.”
Momentum for Bilateral Summit
At Monday’s event, Takaichi said, “I have already conveyed to North Korea my desire to hold a summit meeting.”
Koichiro Iizuka — the eldest son of Yaeko Taguchi, who was abducted at age 22 — said he was “surprised” by the announcement.
“The impact of a prime minister openly revealing part of the ongoing negotiation process in public is significant,” he noted.
“This sends a strong message to North Korea, and given the precedent under Prime Minister Kishida, I hope to see positive developments ahead.”
President Donald Trump speaks to Sakie Yokota, mother of North Korean abduction victim Megumi Yokota, at the State Guest House on October 28 in Tokyo. (©Prime Minister’s Office of Japan)
Calls for Continued Support
Megumi’s mother, Sakie, called for a compassionate approach in future talks with Pyongyang, saying, “Harsh words and actions alone will not win the other side’s heart.”
The latest rally was also attended by Masako Kitatani, the older sister of abductee Keiko Arimoto. She joined the family association this year, along with her younger sister, Ikuko Arimoto. Their father, Akihiro, who passed away in February, and their mother, Kayoko, who died in 2020, had long campaigned for Keiko’s return.
Akihiro Arimoto (right) and Shigeru Yokota appeal for the rescue of abductees at a national rally in September 2002. They steadfastly continued their efforts, hoping to reunite with their beloved daughters, but their wishes remained unfulfilled.
“We joined the association to show North Korea that our family has not given up on reuniting with Keiko,” Kitatani said.
“There is so much we want to tell her. As our parents did, we ask for the continued support of the government and the public.”
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