Citizens’ Rally to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time

On May 29, 2022, Prime Minister Kishida attended the citizens’ rally to demand the immediate return to Japan of all abductees at the same time held in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Kishida said in his address,
 
 “I am KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. I would like to offer a few words on the occasion of the citizens’ rally.
 
It has been slightly more than five months since Mr. IIZUKA Shigeo, a former representative of the Association of Families (of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea), passed away last December. Next week, we will mark the second anniversary of the passing of Mr. YOKOTA Shigeru on June 5. As both abductees and their families continue to age, there is no time to lose before we resolve the issue.
 
I feel truly sorry that 20 years will have passed in September this year while we have been unable to newly bring back abductees since five of them returned to Japan in 2002, and that many victims are still left in North Korea.
 
The abductions issue is the highest priority for my Cabinet. The resolution of the issue requires the understanding and cooperation of the international community.
 
In a summit meeting with U.S. President Biden, who visited Japan the other day, I asked once again for his full understanding and cooperation toward the immediate settlement of the abductions issue and received further support from him. We reconfirmed the U.S. commitment to resolving the issue immediately in the Japan-U.S. Joint Leaders’ Statement. Similarly, I received strong support from other countries in the Quad Leaders’ Meeting.
 
In addition, President Biden met with the families of the abductees, encouraged and heartened them, and firmly demonstrated his strong determination to closely collaborate between Japan and the U.S. toward the resolution of the issue.
 
Along with these efforts to encourage the international community to take action, it is extremely important for Japan to act on its own initiative and build relations between leaders.
 
To this end, I am determined to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un face to face, without any conditions. In accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, Japan seeks to normalize relations with North Korea, through the comprehensive resolution of the outstanding issues of concern between the two sides and the settling of the ‘unfortunate past.’ I will do everything in my power to achieve this goal by seizing every possible opportunity.
 
Today, a firm, unanimous resolve of the Japanese citizens was expressed in this meeting. This will serve as a strong push toward the settlement of the abductions issue. I believe that it is this voice which will push the international community and then North Korea into action.
 
Toward the realization of the return of all the abductees at the earliest possible date, I will be united with all of you, take the lead as Prime Minister, and dedicate all the strength to tackle the issue on a government-wide basis. Let me conclude my remarks by pledging this once again.”