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

On November 3, 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Citizens’ Rally to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time held in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister said in her address:

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am TAKAICHI Sanae. I would like to offer a few words on the occasion of the citizens’ rally.

On October 23, 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 still being unable to reunite with their beloved ones, their earnest determination never to give up until the abductees return home, and their sense of urgency that time is running out. On my part, I conveyed the administration’s resolve to solve the abductions issue.

Twenty-three years have passed since five abductees returned to Japan in 2002.

It is truly regrettable that not even one of the remaining abductees has returned home. Once again, the Government takes this fact very seriously.

Bearing in mind the deep sorrow of parents who passed away without embracing their precious children again and the family members’ sense of urgency, we will devote ourselves to the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date, regardless of whether they are officially recognized as abduction victims.

In particular, it is paramount that Japan takes the initiative to resolve the abductions issue. I will not hesitate to do whatever it takes, as the lives of abductees and national sovereignty are at stake.

We have already conveyed our intention to hold a summit meeting to the North Korean side.

What is more, not only Japan, but North Korea and the international community would also greatly benefit from the resolution of the abductions issue. We have no moment to spare and must bring an end to this issue while the family members are still in good health, and so that we can also envision a future of peace and prosperity for both Japan and North Korea.

Toward building a new and mutually fruitful relationship between the two sides, I intend to face Chairman Kim Jong-un directly, take the initiative in engaging him at the leadership level, and act decisively and boldly in response to various circumstances to deliver tangible results.

I am fully determined to make a breakthrough and resolve the abductions issue at all costs during my tenure, without excluding any options.

Along with Japan’s proactive efforts, close collaboration with the international community is also vital to create opportunities for resolving the abductions issue.

As mentioned earlier, on October 28, U.S. President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio met with the family members (of the abductees) on their visit to Japan and shared their profound sorrow of the families being unable to reunite with their loved ones.

In addition, during the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-related summit meetings and the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit meeting held in the Republic of Korea, I sought the understanding and cooperation from the leaders of various countries on the abductions issue.

As I stated in my policy speech last month, the abductions issue is one of the highest priority issues for my administration.

Today, through this rally, the people of Japan have expressed their firm and united resolve. I am certain this will serve as a strong push toward its resolution.

I strongly hope that our voice will move the international community and North Korea into action.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your strong support. I will stand at the forefront to address the abductions issue head-on and to do whatever it takes to bring about its resolution, taking to heart the earnest wishes and painful thoughts shared again today by the family members.

Let me reaffirm this pledge here today at this National Rally, while extending my heartfelt wishes for your continued good health. Thank you very much for your kind attention.