Takaichi Meets Abductee Families: "Will Open Breakthrough During My Term"

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with families of Japanese abductees today (October 6) and emphasized that she will open a breakthrough for resolving the issue.

Prime Minister Takaichi met with family members of abductees, including Takuya Yokota, the younger brother of Megumi Yokota—who was abducted in 1977—at the Prime Minister's Office this morning.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "We will continue to persuade North Korea through various channels and somehow want to open a breakthrough during my term."

At the meeting, the families of the abductees reported the results of their visit to the United States last month.

The Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea, its supporting organization Rescue Japan, and the bipartisan suprapartisan parliamentary league for the rescue of abductees visited the United States from September 21 to 25 to request cooperation from U.S. State Department officials and lawmakers in resolving the abduction issue.

Following the meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi, Takuya Yokota told reporters, "While it may seem on the surface that there is no progress, I believe the Takaichi administration is doing its utmost to resolve the issue," adding, "I hope they will persistently pursue diplomacy."

Since taking office, Prime Minister Takaichi has repeatedly expressed her willingness to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve the abduction issue.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.