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

On November 8, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the Citizens’ Rally to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time held in Tokyo.

In her remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi stated as follows.

(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

October 21 marked one year since the inauguration of the Takaichi Cabinet.

I feel deeply distressed that we have still not been able to bring the abductees home, while they continue to long for their homeland in North Korea and their families continue to share with us their earnest hopes and heartfelt pleas for their return.

My determination to make a breakthrough and resolve the abductions issue at all costs during my tenure remains unchanged. My mission will not be complete until the day the families can embrace their loved ones again.

Based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, I wish to establish a mutually fruitful relationship between Japan and North Korea.

To this end, I am prepared to engage in dialogue and take concrete action.

As Prime Minister of Japan, I sincerely wish to meet with Chairman Kim Jong-un and hold frank discussions with him. This is how I truly feel.

For the sake of the future of both Japan and North Korea, as well as regional peace and stability, both sides need to make constructive efforts.

The abductees and their family members are growing older, and this issue must be resolved without further delay.

With this strong determination, I continue to make approaches aimed at achieving concrete results.

I am also doing everything in my power to engage the international community in order to create opportunities for resolving the issue.

In my general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September, I stressed the urgent need to resolve the abductions issue.

During the summit meeting on my visit to the United States, as Chairperson Furuya mentioned earlier, I once again received President Trump's full support for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, including through a meeting.

There are also many other opportunities for bilateral summit meetings. I had such meetings last week, and there will be more at the beginning of the coming week. At every one of these opportunities, without exception, I have personally requested the cooperation of foreign leaders toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and have received their support.

I firmly believe that this strong backing from the international community will help bring about a resolution.

I will continue to make every possible effort.

Furthermore, to resolve the abductions issue, it is extremely important that each and every Japanese citizen continues to raise their voice and demonstrate to North Korea and the international community that people of all generations are demanding a resolution as soon as possible.

This will be a powerful force for resolving the issue.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your understanding and support thus far, and earnestly ask for your continued and even greater support.

We are also joined today by members of local assemblies and representatives of local governments.

I am greatly encouraged by, and deeply grateful for, the various initiatives you have undertaken in your communities in step with the Government's efforts.

I sincerely ask for your continued cooperation.

Taking deeply to heart the voices you have shared with us again today, I will press forward with all my strength to resolve the abductions issue under the Takaichi Cabinet.

I pledge that the entire Government will work together toward this goal. I also extend my heartfelt wishes for the continued good health of the families and all those involved until the day they are reunited with their loved ones.

Thank you very much for allowing me to join you today.

Let us continue working together.