Japan PM vows breakthrough on N. Korea abduction issue

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi underscored her commitment to securing the return of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago during a Tokyo event on the issue. Despite expressing disappointment at the absence of tangible progress since assuming office, Takaichi vowed to find a breakthrough at any cost while in power. The urgency of the matter was emphasized by Takaichi, stating that "The issue must be solved immediately," given the aging families of those abducted in the 1970s and 1980s.

Sakie Yokota, 90, whose daughter Megumi was abducted at age 13 in 1977 and became a symbol of the issue, attended the gathering. Yokota expressed her anguish, saying, "I have not been able to rescue her for nearly 50 years. I feel indescribable sadness." Yokota urged the Japanese public to join in protesting North Korea's actions, calling for outrage over the country's "unforgivable conduct."

Takuya Yokota, 58, Megumi's younger brother and head of a group representing abductees' families, emphasized the need for a meeting between Japan and North Korea's leaders to secure the return of all abductees. Japan officially recognizes 17 citizens as abducted by North Korea, but suspects more disappearances. Five of the 17, excluding Megumi Yokota, were returned in 2002, but no further repatriations have occurred since.

The event, organized by the families' group and a support organization, drew around 800 participants. The attendees adopted a resolution demanding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to decide to allow all abductees to return home.