Japan Expresses Regret Over Unresolved North Korean Abductions Since 2002

Japanese Government Reiterates Regret on Abduction Issue

Tokyo, Japan – On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Japanese government publicly expressed its profound regret regarding the ongoing failure to secure the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated, 'It's regrettable that no one has returned to Japan since five abductees came back (in October 2002).' He added, 'We're very sorry,' emphasizing the humanitarian and time-sensitive nature of the issue, particularly for the aging victims and their families.

This statement underscores Japan's persistent efforts to resolve a decades-old issue that has strained relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang. The Japanese government has consistently maintained that the abduction issue is a top priority and a critical concern affecting national sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

A History of Abductions and Unresolved Cases

The abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents primarily occurred during the 1970s and 1980s. These individuals were taken against their will, some from Japanese coastal areas and others from abroad.

Key facts regarding the abductions include:

• The Japanese government officially recognizes 17 citizens as victims of abduction.
• In September 2002, during a historic summit between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Pyongyang admitted to abducting 13 Japanese citizens and issued an apology.
• Following this admission, five abductees—Fukie Chimura, Yasushi Chimura, Yukiko Hasuike, Kaoru Hasuike, and Hitomi Soga—were repatriated to Japan in October 2002.
• North Korea claimed that eight of the remaining abductees had died and that one had never entered the country. However, Japan has largely rejected North Korea's explanations and evidence, citing inconsistencies and forged documents.
• Currently, 12 abductees officially recognized by Japan remain unaccounted for.

Prominent among the abductees is Megumi Yokota, who was 13 years old when she was abducted in 1977 on her way home from school. Her case has become a powerful symbol of the issue.

Ongoing Diplomatic Stalemate and Family Appeals

Despite Japan's persistent demands, North Korea has largely maintained that the abduction issue is resolved. In March 2024, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui reiterated Pyongyang's policy of rejecting any contact with Japan on the matter, declaring discussions with Tokyo to be of 'minimal importance' and stating the issue was settled 'completely, finally and irreversibly'.

The Japanese government, under Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, has continued to seek a breakthrough. In March 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba proposed launching diplomatic liaison offices in Tokyo and Pyongyang to facilitate discussions, a plan that met with opposition from the families of abductees who fear it might be a symbolic gesture without meaningful progress. The families, including Yokota Takuya, brother of Megumi Yokota and head of the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea, have urged for a direct summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and have called for continued sanctions until all abductees are returned.

The urgency of the situation is heightened by the advanced age of the abductees' parents. Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota, is now the only surviving parent of a recognized abductee, highlighting the dwindling time for reunions. The recent passing of Akihiro Arimoto, father of abductee Keiko Arimoto, in February 2025 at the age of 96, further underscored this tragic reality.

International Support for Resolution

The international community has also voiced support for Japan's efforts. The United States, for instance, has consistently backed Japan on the abduction issue. In February 2025, during a summit, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Japan's efforts to resolve the issue to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru. The United Nations has also adopted resolutions on the human rights situation in North Korea, mentioning the abduction issue and recognizing that victims are from various countries.

Japan remains committed to utilizing every available means to achieve the immediate return of all abductees, emphasizing that the normalization of diplomatic relations with North Korea cannot occur until this humanitarian issue is fully resolved.