Meeting with Families of Abductees and Others

On October 23, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi held a meeting with families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister said in her remarks:

“Good afternoon, everyone. I am TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan. Thank you very much for taking the trouble of coming all the way to the Prime Minister’s Office today. I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. YOKOTA Sakie yesterday as well, but I am happy to see you looking so well.

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the family members for engaging in various initiatives to resolve the abductions issue and lending your support to us.

The abductions issue, at its essence, is not only a violation of state sovereignty but also, as Ms. Yokota says, an issue where human lives themselves are at stake.

Twenty-three years have already passed since five abductees returned to Japan in 2002. We have not been able to realize the return of a single abductee since. I deeply regret this situation, one where family members have had no choice but to continue making heart-wrenching appeals and praying for the reunion with their loved ones.

When I think about the feelings of parents who passed away without being able to embrace their children again, I know that we must resolve the abductions issue as soon as possible, without any further delay. I sincerely take your strong wishes to heart and intend to seize every possible opportunity that will lead to the return of all the abductees to Japan at the earliest possible date.

Going forward, on the diplomatic front, I will continue to discuss the abductions issue in meetings with the leaders of various countries, including President Trump, and seek their understanding and cooperation. However, I believe that what matters most is Japan’s proactive initiatives. Building on the approaches that preceding administrations have taken toward North Korea through various channels, I will demonstrate my own leadership and work to achieve a breakthrough by any means. Needless to say, I am ready to hold a summit meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un.

Today, I have taken this occasion to convey my strong determination to bring the abductions issue to a resolution and leverage it as a driving force to confront North Korea moving forward in my role as Prime Minister. I greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you very much.”