Abductions: Wear — and Talk About ー Those Awareness Ribbons!

JAPAN Forward is pleased to feature four student essays written in English that have been recognized by awards in the 2020 and 2021 essay competitions for North Korean Human Rights Awareness Week.

English Essay Category 2nd Prize (2021)

By: HIROSE Fuka

11th grade, Gunma Kokusai Academy High School

It will be 44 years since Megumi Yokota was abducted in Niigata City by North Korean agents. She has yet to be returned. Megumi was only 13 years old when her life, happiness, and dreams were suddenly taken from her.

This horrible act took place in the same area my mother is from. As a result, abduction has been a topic that is close to my heart. As a result, I participate in an awareness ribbon campaign to bring attention to abduction. The use of awareness ribbons has positive aspects, but it doesn’t work without sharing knowledge. The awareness ribbon campaign is an effective way to make change if we make the opportunity to talk about our ribbons.

Awareness ribbon campaigns involve people wearing a ribbon with a color associated with a cause. Typically, the blue ribbon represents abduction victims’ existence and rescue in Japan. The color blue images of the Sea of Japan, which connects Japan and North Korea, as well as the sky which connects abduction victims and families (Community Welfare & Service, 2019). Participating in an awareness ribbon campaign is approachable to many people because they can wear the color as a ribbon, or accessories (Community Welfare & Service Division, 2019). Seeing the associated color can make a statement because it shows support and draws attention to the issue.

Unfortunately, the recognition of awareness ribbon campaigns is low in Japan. I conducted a survey about the recognition of blue ribbons among 65 people and 77% did not know the meaning. While we can say blue ribbon movement is not spreading, a research from Takushoku University showed that 52% of people have experienced volunteering and 69.0% have done charity events (Kanjyo, 2019). In addition, the Niigata government conducted a study about the awareness ribbon and found that in spite of 66.8% of people in Niigata choosing to contribute to the abduction problem by signing up and donating money, only 8.8% chose to contribute by putting on a blue ribbon (Public service & government, 2019). Less opportunity for people to see and hear about awareness ribbons is the reason for the ignorance of this movement.

Even though many people have experience doing volunteer or charity events, they may not know about the awareness ribbon, which means it is not working as well as it should. In order for awareness ribbons to work, those who participate must talk openly about their ribbons so that people are aware of it. Additionally, we should encourage others to participate by wearing the color and offering other ways to help, such as donating money to a registered campaign.

Do not be afraid to show your color that brings awareness, and to talk to those around you about the meaning behind the ribbon. And if you see someone wearing a ribbon, ask them! It only works if we talk about it. Maybe one day Megumi will return, but, until then, I will continue to wear my ribbon in her memory.

Author: HIROSE Fuka

Hosted by the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue, the Government of Japan, supported by the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, has sponsored an essay contest for junior high and high school students since 2017 on the topic of awareness of North Korean human rights abuses. Among the issues of concern has been the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean government agents from at least the 1970s, including then-13-year-old Megumi Yokota.

Published as a linked set, the four awarded essays showcase the serious thought these junior high and high school students have given to human rights, as well as the hope of this generation and ideas for all of us to ponder for moving the abductions and other North Korean human rights issues toward resolution.