Minister Hayashi urged Pyongyang to work together and resolve the abductions "for the benefit of both Japan and North Korea," and for its own bright future.
As Japan and North Korea enter a dialogue phase, families call for Kim's "courageous and decisive action" for the immediate return of all victims of abductions.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense has issued a "destruction order" in the event a planned North Korean satellite launch threatens Japanese territory.
Terrible memories of the atomic bombing endure yet predictions are that Japan's national strategy of vigorous diplomacy will show the way to reconciliation.