Tag - abductions

 
 

ABDUCTIONS

Takuya Yokota (second from right), head of a group of families of abductees to North Korea, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Sunday.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Feb 26, 2024
Families of North Korea abductees give Japan breathing room for summit
The group won't oppose Tokyo's lifting of sanctions on Pyongyang if all abductees are returned while their parents' generation is still alive.
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said on Thursday that a visit by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Pyongyang could materialize, but only if Tokyo met several caveats.
JAPAN / Politics
Feb 16, 2024
North Korea-Japan summit push gains steam after remarks by Kim’s sister
A visit by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Pyongyang could materialize, but only if Tokyo met several caveats, Kim Yo Jong said.
Sakie Yokota speaks in an interview on Oct. 27 in Kawasaki. Yokota's daughter Megumi was abducted in Japan and taken to North Korea at the age of 13 some 45 years ago.
JAPAN
Jan 11, 2024
Mother of North Korea abductee awaits reunion as health woes mount
Sakie Yokota says her firm resolve to rescue her daughter Megumi seems to keep pushing her forward.
Kazuhiro Araki, head of the Investigation Commission on Missing Japanese Probably Related to North Korea (COMJAN), said that the issue of abductions would not be resolved unless the government put the unrecognized abductees on its official list and negotiated with North Korea.
JAPAN
Dec 25, 2023
Families seek reunion with kin possibly abducted to North Korea
Their advanced age and a lack of information about the missing cause them increasing frustrations.
Kim Kil Uk
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Oct 24, 2023
Suspect in Japanese national's North Korea abduction reported dead
Kim Kil Uk was among the 11 people Japan had issued international arrest warrants for concerning North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals.
Kim Jong Un
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 30, 2023
Japan and North Korea met informally this year over abduction row
Japan engaged in several informal contacts with North Korea this spring, sources close to the matter have said.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 5, 2023
Former abductee asks Kishida to meet with North Korea's Kim
Hitomi Soga, 64, met with Kishida around a month after the premier pledged to pursue high-level negotiations with Pyongyang.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 3, 2023
North Korea and Japan officials met to discuss abduction issue, report says
The officials met at least twice in third countries such as China and Singapore, the report by Dong-A Ilbo said.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Jul 1, 2023
Kishida's attempt to realize North Korea summit seen as a long shot
Some lawmakers have suggested that Kishida"s intention behind this diplomatic initiative is to strengthen his chances of winning the next Lower House election.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 28, 2023
North Korea slams Japan over U.N. abduction talks, insisting issue is resolved
The criticism, issued via state-run media, comes days before an online symposium co-sponsored by Japan, South Korea, the United States, Australia and the European Union.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 10, 2023
Kishida hopes for change in North Korea's stance toward dialogue
Kishida has recently reiterated his determination to resume talks with North Korea to resolve Pyongyang"s abductions of Japanese citizens decades ago.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 5, 2023
For Sakie Yokota, one of two living North Korea abductee parents, resolving issue remains priority
Yokota, 87, marked the third anniversary of her husband"s death with an expression of concern over resolving the issue of people kidnapped by the reclusive regime.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
May 30, 2023
Kishida eyes talks with Kim to resolve North Korea abduction issue
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Sang Gil has said that there is no reason for North Korea and Japan not to meet if Japan seeks a way of improving relations.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 28, 2023
Kishida vows to swiftly arrange abductee talks with North Korea
With many families of those missing now aging, the issue has become increasingly urgent under Kishida.
Japan Times
JAPAN
May 1, 2023
Group supporting abductee Megumi Yokota's family turns 20
Photos of Megumi are exhibited around Japan and abroad to call attention to the parents" persistent wish to rescue their daughter.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Mar 1, 2023
Kishida vows to take every step to resolve North Korea abduction issue
The prime minister"s remarks came during a meeting at his office with family members of the Japanese abductees.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Feb 27, 2023
Japan won't rule out sending aid to North Korea in return for abductees
A group representing the abductees" families has said that they would not oppose giving humanitarian aid to Pyongyang if it would lead to the victims" return.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 17, 2022
Anniversary brings more torment to mother of girl abducted by North Korea
Sakie Yokota says her yearning for any information about her daughter Megumi's whereabouts remains unrelenting.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 17, 2022
Hitomi Soga vows to continue speaking out on abductions by North Korea
"I want to communicate my agony, loneliness and mortification as much as possible," said Soga, who was abducted in 1978.
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Oct 14, 2022
Time running out for families of Japanese abducted by North Korea
There is concern that Pyongyang will continue to stall on the issue, and some family members have suggested the Japanese government needs to rethink its approach.

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A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world