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

On November 23, 2024, Prime Minister Ishiba attended the Citizens’ Rally to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time held in Tokyo.

Prime Minister Ishiba said in his address,

“I am ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister and the first chairperson of the parliamentary group on the abduction issue. I would like to offer a few words on the occasion of the citizens’ rally today.

As has been mentioned earlier, on October 17, I had the pleasure of meeting with the members of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea (AFVKN) and the National Association for the Rescue (of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea (NARKN)) at the Prime Minister’s Office. From the family members, I listened to their suffering of being yet unable to reunite with their beloved ones and their earnest determination not to give up until the abductees return home, and we shared a sense of urgency that the time is running out. On my part, I conveyed to them the resolve of my Cabinet to solve the abduction issue. Today, I had the opportunity to hear their heartfelt wishes once again.

As many as 22 years ago, then Prime Minister Koizumi visited North Korea in 2002. On his return, various information was conveyed to the family members at the Iikura Guest House or the Prime Minister’s Office. I vividly remember the scene where Ms. YOKOTA Sakie, who is in attendance today and just delivered her remarks, heard the news and cried out, ‘I don’t believe it. I don’t believe such a thing. Megumi is alive.’ I deliberately used the word ‘cried,’ and her cry serves as the starting point for my efforts on this issue. Her words have stayed in my ears ever since. At that time, I sat next to the late Mr. YOKOTA Shigeru. As I have said before, I will never forget that cry, and I believe that this must be shared with the entire Japanese nation.

Since then, we have been unable to achieve the return of the abductees. My belief is that we must properly examine why we have not been able to realize it. Despite the fact that the citizens’ rally has been held and many people across the country share the same wishes, why have we failed to make it a reality? As Chairperson Furuya just said, the Government will once again carefully examine how it should approach North Korea, work out measures, and strive to realize their return.

Our basic policy is to normalize Japan’s relations with North Korea through comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern, such as the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues, and settling the unfortunate past, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration of 2002. Meanwhile, the issue for us, the Japanese people, is what state sovereignty is. In other words, we learn popular sovereignty at school, not only in elementary school, but also junior and senior high schools, but many of us may not have properly learned what state sovereignty is. There are three elements of state sovereignty: one is territory, another is people, and the other is the system of government. These three constitute the three elements of state sovereignty.

The abduction issue is an act of abducting our fellow citizens by another country, and hence it is not just a kidnapping case exactly because it is state-led abduction. This is none other than the violation of state sovereignty of Japan. Therefore, as the family members are advancing in age, it is my belief that we must unite as one toward the resolution of this issue with time constraints, under the common understanding that it is an infringement on the state sovereignty for the entire Japanese nation. I also believe that we must achieve the return of all the abductees as soon as possible, regardless of whether they are officially recognized as abductees or not. With the firm resolve of the Government and the Cabinet, we will stand in solidarity with you all and address the issue toward its resolution.

As Chairperson Furuya also mentioned, we should never overlook relations between North Korea and Russia. Why they collaborate with each other is an important matter that concerns the independence of Japan. While being fully aware of this fact, we will work together with the international community to work on the issue.

I recently visited Peru and held meetings with a number of leaders at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) or the G20. With President Biden of the United States, President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea, and other leaders, I exchanged views on this issue and shared the understanding that we will closely collaborate with each another and go beyond mere collaboration to work together on the issue toward its resolution. I also met with President Xi Jinping of China, when I raised the issue and exchanged views. We will address the issue in solidarity with many countries and the international community.

The longer the situation drags on, the more difficult it will be to build a new relationship between Japan and North Korea. There is undoubtedly a chain of mutual distrust, which has added complexity to the situation. It is thus important to return to the starting point of the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration once again and realize the aspirations envisioned 22 years ago from a broad perspective. I will call on Chairman Kim Jong Un not to miss this opportunity.

As is the case with personal relations, condemning the other party, without even meeting or seeing them in person, will lead us nowhere. My sincere intention is to squarely face the issue in order to realize such aspirations with you all. As we look back on many historical events, I think that leaders’ actions based on their strategic decisions drove the era. I would like to state that I will spearhead efforts toward the resolution of this issue.

Many people from throughout Japan are in attendance today. This will push the international community into action, unify public opinion, and serve as a great force toward the solution of this issue. That is my sincere belief.

There is not much time left for us. For its part, the Government will work on the resolution of the issue, under the recognition that it concerns state sovereignty. While seeking your continued support, I am committed to working together to secure the dignity of our state as well as human rights of each and every citizen. I would appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”