The high-profile case of a Japanese woman who returned to Japan on Wednesday after fleeing North Korea has rekindled debate over the government's lack of adequate support measures for others in similar circumstances, as well as its reluctance to accept refugees.

The woman, who arrived in Tokyo, married a North Korean and moved to North Korea in 1959 along with her husband under a repatriation program. She fled to China in November and sought refuge in Japan via a group of supporters.

While the government acknowledged earlier this week that dozens of people have been placed under protective custody after fleeing North Korea, many experts say that the real problems begin after these people arrive in Japan.