Megumi Yokota, dressed in her mother's kimono, poses for a commemorative photo in front of their home. Ten months later, she was abducted by North Korean agents. January 1977, Niigata City.
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Dear Megumi,
The days seem to fly by, and soon 2024 will come to an end. Once again, we have come to November 15, the day North Korean agents abducted you. Forty-seven years have passed, and still, we have been unable to bring you home, the 13-year-old girl so cruelly taken from us. Seeing your precious life destroyed so heartlessly makes me feel such anger and sorrow. Emotions too overwhelming for words swirl inside me, threatening to crush me.
No More Time for Memories
On October 5, you turned 60. For your birthday, I used to place a large cake next to the photo displayed at home to celebrate. Since your father passed away four years ago, I can no longer manage a large cake by myself, so it has turned into a smaller one. This year, I celebrated quietly again.
The time for reminiscing and talking about how things used to be has long passed. More than anything, I just want to see you, Megumi-chan, as soon as possible, and hold you in my arms. That is all I wish for every day.
Not To Be Overshadowed
Japan's political landscape shifted significantly in 2024, with changes in the leadership of both the ruling and opposition parties. On September 11, ahead of the Liberal Democratic Party and Constitutional Democratic Party leadership elections, we held an urgent press conference. Our families' association and the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea again called for serious attention to the abduction issue.
Various political leaders vying for leadership spoke about Japan's future and called for supporting your return. Yet there were almost no voices offering concrete plans or expressing strong commitments to resolving the abduction issue.
I thought to myself, "Will I ever be able to see Megumi-chan? Is the abduction issue going to remain unresolved? Am I going to pass away without seeing my wish come true?" My despair was almost overpowering.
We had never shared our message during an election before. Of course, we had no intention whatsoever of endorsing any specific candidate. However, a deep sense of crisis over the abduction issue becoming overshadowed motivated us. Seeking understanding from those around us, we took the initiative to speak out.
"This issue needs to be taken more seriously," I urged. "Please take action as if your own life depends on it." As a result, it seemed people began discussing the issue more often in street speeches and televised debates. For this, I am truly grateful. Nevertheless, I cannot deny that I feel the politicians could be doing more.
Prolonged Deadlock
On October 17, we met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for the first time since his inauguration. He is the 13th prime minister since we established the families' association in 1997. The prolonged deadlock weighs heavily on me.
During our meeting, I repeatedly asked for an early Japan-North Korea summit. We hope that both leaders will engage in open, compassionate discussions focused on possibilities for their country's future. In the meantime, our only wish is the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.
Prime Minister Ishiba recalled the events of September 17, 2002, as we met.
Ishiba's Resolve
On the day of the historic first Japan-North Korea summit in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Il confirmed the survival of five abducted victims. However, North Korea claimed that others, including Megumi-chan, had "died."
Upon hearing the report in Tokyo, our family, still unable to process our emotions, held a press conference at the Diet Members' Building. At that time, Prime Minister Ishiba was the first chairman of the bipartisan Parliamentarian League for Early Repatriation of Japanese Citizens Kidnapped by North Korea. He was also present at our press conference.
Each family member expressed their thoughts. "We don't even know when they supposedly died," I said, daring to raise my voice. "Therefore, I cannot believe that they are dead. I will keep fighting, believing that they are still alive."
In our recent meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba, who was sitting next to us at the 2002 press conference, recalled my words. "I can never forget your tearful and heartfelt plea," he shared. "That moment became the strongest driving force in shaping my commitment to the abduction issue."
Having never before spoken with Prime Minister Ishiba face-to-face, I did not know him well. However, I felt that he understood our feelings. With this passion, I believe he will continue to move forward, striving to break the stalemate and find a solution.
A Race Against Time
Marked by ongoing warfare, the international situation is increasingly chaotic. Similarly, conflicting agendas also cloud the abduction issue, and the path to resolution may become more elusive. I am now 88. Last year, I had to rest due to overwork and became acutely aware of my physical limits.
Keiko Arimoto's father, Akihiro, is also aging. He is 96. Not only our family but also the families of the other victims abducted by North Korea are growing older.
We vowed that the abduction issue must be resolved within the parents' lifetimes. Yet, as we parents grow older and step back, the children's generation carries on the responsibility of our efforts. I ask that politicians confront this troubling reality.
The families' association is calling for the immediate and unconditional return of all abductees. There has been a proposal to establish liaison offices in both Japan and North Korea. However, would this truly be effective? North Korea knows where each and every abductee is. It exercises strict control and oversight of all its citizens, including the abduction victims.
Anticipating Support from Mr Trump
We, the families of the victims, no longer have the luxury of time. Resolving the abduction issue hinges on North Korea immediately returning the victims to our families. In the United States, a hopeful sign is that former President Donald Trump is set to return to office. During his visits to Japan in 2017 and 2019, he met with us and pledged his efforts toward addressing the issue.
When your father passed away, I received condolences from Mr Trump. He said, "I will continue the important mission of bringing Megumi-san back to her home." I pray that he will remain steadfast in his resolve and support the repatriation of the victims.
Erasing a National Shame
We the people of Japan are facing a difficult era, often referred to as a national crisis. Even in these challenging times, please keep in mind the children still waiting for rescue in North Korea. Please envision a resolution to the abduction issue and raise your voices in support.
Without the support of the public, the abduction issue will not progress. North Korean agents infiltrated Japan and took our loved ones from their ordinary lives. Politicians and bureaucrats, it is your duty to tackle the resolution with the determination to erase this national shame.
Megumi-chan, there are times when my weak heart gets the better of me, but I'm doing my best to stay strong. Please take care of your health. The day we are reunited will surely come, so let us hold on to that belief and stay strong and healthy for each other.
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Author: Sakie Yokota
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