Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Seeks Summit with Kim Jong Un Over Abduction Issue

Takaichi Prioritizes Abduction Issue, Seeks Direct Talks

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Monday, November 3, 2025, that Japan has informed North Korea of its desire to hold a summit meeting with leader Kim Jong Un. Speaking at a national meeting in Tokyo for families of Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang, Takaichi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, 'We have already conveyed to North Korea our desire to hold a summit meeting.' She underscored that resolving the abduction issue is a 'top priority' for her government and that she aims to achieve 'concrete results' during her term.

Takaichi, who took office on October 21, 2025, expressed her resolve to meet Kim 'directly' and 'act boldly' to break the deadlock. She highlighted the emotional and political weight of the issue, calling it 'an issue that puts the lives of victims and national sovereignty at stake.'

Historical Context of Abduction Diplomacy

The issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea has been a significant point of contention between the two nations for decades. Japan officially lists 17 people as having been abducted in the 1970s and 1980s. In September 2002, during a landmark summit in Pyongyang, then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il admitted to the abductions and apologized to then-Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. This meeting led to the repatriation of five abductees in October 2002.

However, North Korea subsequently claimed that the remaining eight of the 13 admitted abductees were deceased and that four others never entered the country, asserting that the issue was resolved. Japan has consistently disputed this, maintaining that the issue remains unresolved and demanding the return of all abductees.

Echoing Past Leaders, Seeking Breakthrough

Takaichi's call for a summit echoes similar sentiments from previous Japanese prime ministers, including Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga, who also expressed willingness to meet with Kim Jong Un to address the abduction issue. Despite these past efforts, no significant progress has been reported since 2002.

Japan and North Korea currently have no formal diplomatic ties. Takaichi, known for her conservative political stance, similar to that of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has vowed to 'do everything during my term to have a breakthrough and resolve the matter.' She also sought cooperation from the United States, with President Donald Trump meeting with families of abductees during a recent visit to Tokyo.

Urgency for Abductee Families

The push for a summit comes amidst increasing urgency for the families of the abductees, many of whom are elderly. Takaichi expressed hope that the issue could be settled while family members are 'still in good health,' emphasizing its importance for both nations to 'envision a future where both nations enjoy peace and prosperity.' North Korea has not yet publicly responded to Takaichi's request for a summit.