In a bold diplomatic push, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that Tokyo has formally communicated its desire for a high-level summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aiming to resolve the long-festering issue of Japanese citizens abducted by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s.
At a gathering on the abductions issue in Tokyo, Takaichi, who took office on Oct. 21, said she wants to speak frankly with Kim and “achieve concrete results,” adding, “I will do everything during my term to have a breakthrough and resolve the matter.”
If realized, the meeting would mark the first Japan-North Korea summit in over two decades – since then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi’s landmark visits to Pyongyang in 2002 and 2004, which secured the return of five abductees but left the fate of at least 12 others unresolved. Japan officially recognizes 17 victims and suspects North Korean involvement in hundreds more disappearances, while Pyongyang insists the matter is “settled” and claims eight died with the rest never entering the country.
Takaichi, a conservative hawk and protégé of the late Shinzo Abe, framed the abductions as her government’s “top priority.” She met twice with victims’ families since assuming office last month, including a session alongside U.S. President Donald Trump during his recent Japan visit, where he reaffirmed Washington’s support.
No response from North Korea has been reported, but analysts see Takaichi’s overture as a high-stakes gamble amid heightened regional tensions, including Pyongyang’s missile tests and deepening ties with Russia.
