Takaichi Calls for the Immediate Return of All Abductees
Overview
On November 8, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi declared at a national rally calling for the immediate return of all abductees that she was determined to resolve the abduction issue during her tenure. She expressed willingness to pursue dialogue and concrete action based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration, and said she wanted to speak candidly with Chairman Kim Jong Un. She called for cooperation from the international community, the public, local assembly members, and local governments, and said the government would work together as one.
Key points
- Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her determination to resolve the abduction issue during her tenure.
- She expressed willingness to pursue dialogue and concrete action based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration.
- She explained that she was asking leaders of various countries to cooperate toward an immediate resolution.
- She called on the public and local governments, among others, to continue their cooperation.
Overview
On November 8, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended and delivered remarks at a national rally in Tokyo calling for the immediate return of all abductees. She said she felt anguish that the abductees and their families had not yet been able to realize their urgent wish for return, despite hearing their heartfelt appeals, and stated that the issue must be resolved as soon as possible.
Prime Minister Takaichi said her mission would not be complete until families could embrace their loved ones, and declared that her cabinet would press ahead toward a resolution. She expressed her intention to pursue fruitful relations based on the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration and said she wanted to speak candidly with Chairman Kim Jong Un.
Impact
Prime Minister Takaichi said she was convinced that strong support from the international community would help drive a resolution.
She said that the public's continuing to speak out and show North Korea and the international community its desire for a resolution would be a major force toward resolving the issue.
She said both sides need to make constructive efforts for the future of Japan and North Korea, and for regional peace and stability.
Details
Prime Minister Takaichi said that one year had passed since the Takaichi Cabinet was formed on October 21.
The government continues its efforts toward concrete results. She explained that Japan called for an early resolution in the general debate address at the United Nations General Assembly in September, and that President Trump gave full support for an immediate resolution at a summit meeting during her visit to the United States. She also said that Japan had used opportunities for bilateral summit meetings to ask leaders of various countries to cooperate toward an immediate resolution, and had received support from each of them.
She expressed gratitude for local assembly members and local governments working in step with the government in their communities, and asked them to continue their cooperation. She also urged the public to keep speaking out and said the government would work together as one.