Takuya Yokota touches the withered cherry tree trunk at Yorii Junior High School, which his sister, Megumi Yokota, attended and where he also studied. September 7, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture (©Sankei by Hideyuki Matsui)
このページを 日本語 で読む
Stroking a tree trunk, Takuya Yokota gazes at the grounds of Yorii Junior High School in Niigata City. In the lingering humidity of early September, he softly murmurs, "This takes me back."
It is the first time he has seen the school since moving away in the summer of his third year at the school. At the time, his father, Shigeru, was transferred for work. Shigeru passed away at the age of 87 in 2020.
First of a three-part series
The Passage of Time
While the school building and gymnasium had been rebuilt, the row of cherry blossom trees just past the school gate was familiar. Forty-seven years ago, in the spring, Shigeru took a commemorative photo here to celebrate his daughter's entry as a first-year student. Her name was Megumi. She was just recovering from the measles and had a somewhat subdued expression as she looked at the camera.
"He probably thought, 'I want to get a photo of her while the cherry blossoms are still beautiful," Takuya reflects. "It's a photo that reflects a parent's love. Now, though, it feels like a symbol of the abduction issue." Takuya's expression, which had softened for a moment, hardens once again.
Some of the trees are now old and barely blossoming. However, recognizing the trees are now symbols of the issue, the school has taken measures to preserve them. Their branches are carefully pruned. While expressing gratitude for their efforts, Takuya adds, "It reminds me just how much time has passed. My sister is living under harsh conditions in North Korea. Maybe she is also withering away." His words came quietly as he tenderly stroked the tree's rough bark.
Just Steps From Home
On November 15, 1977, 13-year-old Megumi Yokota was abducted by North Korean agents. After badminton practice, she headed home from school, only about a 10-minute walk. Saying goodbye to two friends who left with her, she was alone while walking the last stretch.
It is believed she was taken near the final intersection before turning toward her house. A police dog tracking Megumi's scent from her pajamas stopped at that point and began circling.
"At the time, somebody said they heard a scream coming from this area," Takuya says, biting his lip. "This means they most likely abducted her here. She was only a few dozen steps from home when her entire life was turned upside down."
Haunting Memories
Just minutes from the intersection, the view of the whitecaps on the Sea of Japan evokes only memories of suffering and hardship.
At the beach, a popular date spot, Sakie Yokota shone her flashlight on each car parked along the shore to check if Megumi was inside. She paid no mind to the angry shouts from drivers. Sakie also checked the gaps between the concrete blocks of the bulkhead along the shore, looking for any signs that her daughter might have become trapped.
Takuya and his twin brother Tetsuya were just nine years old at the time. They roamed the darkness for what felt like ages, consumed by fear until they finally broke down in tears. The cherished memories of their family strolls and fishing trips with Megumi were now relegated to far corners of their minds.
If I Were a Bird
A "Missing" sign posted by the police can still be found in front of the approach to the nearby shrine.
It reads, "We are actively investigating this case. If you have any relevant information, please do not hesitate to contact us."
"While the abduction issue may seem like a thing of the past, it is not," Takuya also states. "I hope the public does not forget that it is an ongoing issue." For the affected families, the diminishing attention to this issue is their biggest worry. As the representative of the families' association, Takuya travels the country, delivering lectures on the issue with unwavering conviction.
Megumi waits for help across the sea. As the sea breeze blows around him, Takuya remembers a saying from his parents' generation. "'If I were a bird, I would fly, if I were a fish, I would swim to the rescue.' If I could, I would do that too."
Takuya's Heartfelt Wish
Because his memories of her are frozen at age 13, Takuya still affectionately refers to his sister as "Megumi-chan."
In his letter, he bares his anguish and unwavering determination.
Megumi-chan, I'm so sorry we still haven't been able to bring you home after all this time. It's hard for us as your family to just say, "Stay strong" when we know you are in such a difficult situation. Still, please, take care of yourself. Stay healthy. Hold on and wait for us.
On October 5, Megumi-chan turned 60. In this series, we bring together the voices of those yearning for her reunion, embodying the hopes of the entire nation.
Watch for the next installment in: Abducted by North Korea, Megumi and Hitomi Soga Share a Special Bond
RELATED:
- Abductions Seminar in UN Offers North Korea a Better Way Forward
- Letters to Megumi: Children's Heartfelt Hopes Under the Cherry Blossoms
Author: The Sankei Shimbun
このページを 日本語 で読む
