March 26 (Asia Today) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to resolve the issue of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens during her term, saying she has secured “full support” from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Takaichi made the remarks Wednesday during a House of Councillors budget committee session, emphasizing that she intends to make the abductee issue a top priority of her administration.
“I want to open a breakthrough and resolve the abduction issue within my term,” she said. “I am prepared to hold direct talks with Kim Jong Un to bring the abductees home.”
The Japanese government has long defined the issue as a matter of national sovereignty and the protection of its citizens, maintaining that it cannot be compromised.
Takaichi has repeatedly chaired ministerial meetings on the issue since taking office, underscoring her commitment to securing the return of all victims.
During a U.S.-Japan summit last week, Takaichi told Trump she was determined to pursue direct dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump responded that he “fully supports” the effort, according to Japanese officials.
Tokyo views the statement as a sign of concrete diplomatic backing from Washington, which it considers essential for resolving the issue.
Japan had also hoped to coordinate more closely with China, given Beijing’s influence over Pyongyang. Officials planned to use a potential Trump visit to China in late March or early April to advance that cooperation.
However, the trip was postponed amid escalating tensions involving Iran in the Middle East, delaying what Japanese officials described as a key diplomatic opportunity.
“It would have been the best timing, but we missed the opportunity due to the schedule change,” a government official said, adding that prolonged delays could weaken U.S. attention to the issue.
The abduction issue dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, when North Korean agents kidnapped Japanese citizens. Tokyo officially recognizes 17 victims.
In 2002, North Korea admitted to abducting 13 Japanese nationals and allowed five to return home following a summit with then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. Pyongyang has since claimed the remaining victims have died, a position Japan disputes.
Negotiations have remained stalled for years, complicated by broader tensions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Previous Japanese leaders, including Shinzo Abe and Fumio Kishida, have maintained that normalization of relations with North Korea cannot proceed without resolving the abduction issue.
Analysts say Takaichi may be seeking to cement her legacy by pursuing direct diplomacy with Pyongyang, but prospects for progress remain uncertain as North Korea has shown little willingness to engage.
Takaichi reiterated in her parliamentary remarks that she would “do everything possible” to secure the victims’ return. Families of abductees welcomed her statement, calling it an important signal of resolve.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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