Megumi's Mother Speaks: A Long Battle for Justice and Hope

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It's been five years since Megumi Yokota (60), abducted by North Korea at the age of 13, lost her father, Shigeru Yokota. He passed away on June 5, 2020, at the age of 87.

In an exclusive interview with The Sankei Shimbun, Sakie Yokota (89), reflected on her late husband, with whom she tirelessly campaigned for their daughter's rescue. She also spoke about her daughter Megumi, whom she has yet to see again.

Father's Devotion, Mother's Reflection

"In the months after Shigeru passed away, I felt like I was on a solitary journey to heaven," Sakie Yokota said. "As time went on, I became more aware of his absence."

"He was always by my side. Even now, when I'm eating at home, I almost say 'darling.' And then it hits me — he's not here anymore. I find comfort in knowing my husband is in heaven, and I still feel a connection to him in my heart. But in so many moments, I'm overcome by a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness."

For the interview, Sakie brought along a camera that Shigeru had cherished during his lifetime. He had used it to take countless photos, carefully documenting Megumi as she grew up.

*One of Shigeru Yokota's cameras, used frequently before his death.*

"My husband loved photography and owned several cameras. He kept one for casual walks around the neighborhood and another reserved for traveling. Daughters are especially precious to their fathers."

"When I gave birth to Megumi, my husband tried to take pictures in the delivery room, but a nurse scolded him, saying, 'Are you a reporter? Please leave.'"

"We chose our daughter's name together. My name has some complicated kanji that are difficult to explain, so I wanted to use hiragana instead. We considered names like Hiromi and Mayumi before finally deciding on Megumi. It's such a beautiful name, isn't it?"

A Father's Love

"I was good at sewing, so I often made Megumi's clothes myself. But as a father, [Shigeru] occasionally wanted Megumi to wear the cute outfits sold in stores. From time to time, he'd take her shopping, saying, 'Let's go buy something.' He'd smile and ask her, 'Megumi-chan, which color do you like?'"

With the birth of twin boys, the Yokota family eventually grew to five. Shigeru worked at the Bank of Japan. When he was transferred from Hiroshima to Niigata, Megumi started junior high school and joined the badminton club. Sakie fondly recalls the mother-daughter conversations they had about the club's uniform.

"I needed to sew a metal fastener onto Megumi's uniform to attach her player number. I told her to do it herself, thinking that learning to sew would surely come in handy someday."

*Megumi Yokota's sportswear from her junior high days, worn during badminton practice and games.*

"Megumi was reluctant at first, saying, 'Everyone else has their mothers do it for them.'"

"She kept repeating, 'This is strange, this is strange,' but she eventually got the hang of it. I still remember how happy she looked when I praised her for doing a good job."

A Mother's Regret

"On November 15, 1977, the day Megumi was abducted, I took my twin sons, Takuya and Tetsuya, to a nearby dentist. On the way home, I suggested we stop by to see Megumi practicing with her club. But the boys said, 'If we go without asking, Megumi-chan will be upset.' So we didn't go. Maybe we should have been there that day."

*Picture taken during a Yokota family trip, circa 1972. Sakie took this photo "just for fun," which is why Shigeru is in it. North Korea shattered the happiness of this ordinary family.*

Megumi was abducted that evening on her way home from her club activity, likely just a minute or two from her house. The incident took place 48 years ago, when Sakie was 41 years old.

In 1997, a victims' family association was established, with Megumi's father serving as its first leader. He and his wife traveled across the country, collecting signatures and giving lectures, repeatedly urging the government to take action to rescue the abductees. Since the association's founding, Japan has seen 13 different prime ministers, including the current one, Shigeru Ishiba.

My Sons' Determination

"The rescue movement has now passed to the younger generation. I never wanted it to come to this. But my sons said, 'If we don't do something, Megumi may never come home.'"

"They were right. And now I'm entrusting the cause to them."

"Akihiro Arimoto, the father of abduction victim Keiko Arimoto, passed away in February [2025]. With his passing, I became the only remaining parent among the families of government-recognized abduction victims who have not yet returned home. The last time I saw Mr Akihiro was at a related event held in Tokyo last November."

"I held his hand and said, 'Please pray for us from Kobe [Arimoto's home]. You don't have to come here anymore.'"

"He smiled gently and replied, 'Well, okay.'"

"He risked his life solely to rescue his daughter and other abducted children. And I will never forget the warmth of his hand."

Akihiro Arimoto (right) and Shigeru Yokota appeal for the rescue of abductees at a national rally in September 2002. They steadfastly continued their efforts, hoping to reunite with their beloved daughters, but their wishes remained unfulfilled.

"I'm now 89 years old. At this point, I don't know if I will ever be able to see Megumi again while I'm still alive. As I face the prospect of death, I believe it is important to live each day fully, so I will be ready when that time comes."

"However, as a nation, we cannot afford to remain passive. If something has been taken from us, we must reclaim it. I hope the government will deliver results. And I also hope the people of Japan will continue to support us, as they have up to now."

"For as long as I live, I will never stop raising my voice, too."