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JAPAN Forward has launched "Ignite," a series where students in Japan share their voices in English. What do they see beyond our obvious differences, disabilities, and insecurities? Individually and collectively, today's students have the power to shape our global future. The Kagoshima student who wrote this ninth essay of the series wants to engage many people to address the issue of the silent victims abducted by North Korea.
Annually, the Headquarters for the Abduction Issue holds a North Korean Human Rights Violations Awareness Week Essay Contest for junior and senior high school students across the country. (The Government of Japan established the Headquarters, an organization led by the Prime Minister and composed of all the Ministers of State to resolve the abductions issue.) It aims to raise awareness of the abduction issue through viewing films and stage plays, reading books related to the issue, and other opportunities to help the students understand the feelings of abduction victims and their families.
These students often use the essay contest to think deeply about what they can and should do to resolve the abduction issue. Some, like Uta Fuchiwaki, also take on the challenge to directly communicate their thoughts and ideas to others in English. Let's listen.
Ninth in the Series, 'Ignite'
Uta Fuchiwaki, Winner of the 2024 North Korean Human Rights Violations Awareness Week Senior High School English Essay Excellence Award
Imagine a family member telling you they are going to the beach to watch the sunset, but they never return.
This happened to Shuichi Ichikawa and Rumiko Masumoto in 1978 in my hometown, Kagoshima, when they were abducted by North Korean agents. Not only were their lives changed, but also the lives of their families, friends and relatives.
Since then, their families have been campaigning, collecting signatures and appealing to the government to get them home. However, sadly, in 2002, the North Korean government admitted and apologized for abducting Japanese citizens. They confirmed that eight of the victims including Shuichi and Rumiko had already passed away. Despite hearing this shocking news and the lack of North Koreaʼs transparency, the families still believe their loved ones are alive and continue to fight for the truth or bring them home.
I actually had the chance to talk with Mr [Kenichi] Ichikawa, the brother of Shuichi Ichikawa. He has gone through innumerable tough times, but the situation hasnʼt really changed. When I talked to my classmates about the abduction issue, many of them werenʼt even aware of this problem and thatʼs when I realized that this could be because of the younger generation, and our lack of understanding, cooperation and help. I feel even more strongly about this issue now because I am the younger generation. [And] I feel compelled to stand up more for this cause and take action to make sure Mr Ichikawa will suffer less. I am taking this opportunity to share with you two solutions.
Raising Awareness of the Abductions
First, my generation seems to be unaware about these abductions. Mr Ichikawa told me that he is afraid of the abduction issues fading away. He also mentioned that, currently the youth are not interested in petitions and ignore flyers. Ignorance is a major concern and must be acknowledged as one of the biggest problems. So, we must continue to debate, discuss and deepen our understanding among the younger generations. I am sure that Mr Ichikawa would be pleased if we are more willing to work on this issue.
Second, Mr Ichikawa said that he desperately wants to hold a summit with North Korea to directly discuss and negotiate, aiming to change the situation and reach the truth. But to make this happen, all generations must cooperate with the signature campaign. If people have a strong will, diplomacy will spread, Mr Ichikawa said.
Mr Ichikawaʼs mother passed away without seeing her son and could never wear the kimono Shuichi gave to her. Also, Mr Ichikawa said when it is Shuichiʼs birthday the family canʼt talk about him and keeps silent. While their voices are silent, their house is filled with frog memorabilia from supporters around Japan. So, he always remains in their hearts as the meaning of frog in Japanese is to return.
The least we can do is sign a petition, keep negotiations open and finally keep engaging the youth to give the silent victims a voice. Please, let us help keep Mr Ichikawaʼs will alive.
Silent Victims.
About the Author:
When she wrote this essay, Uta Fuchiwaki was an 11th-grade student at Kagoshima Joho High School in Kagoshima Prefecture, near where two abduction victims were taken by North Korean agents. She delivered this comment upon receiving the Excellence Award for her English essay by a high school student:
Comment from the winner: English essays have the power to reach people all over the world. I sincerely hope that Mr and Mrs Ichikawa will be reunited with Shuichi.
RELATED:
- Abductee Video Smuggled to North Korea Aims for Breakthrough in Rescue Efforts
- Abducted – Four Stories, Four Lives, Episode 3: Something Strange Along the Sea of Japan
(Read the essay, which is also translated into Japanese)
Author: Uta Fuchiwaki
Student, Kagoshima Joho High School, Kagoshima Prefecture
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