Families of abductees call for the immediate and collective return of all abductees at an event in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on November 3. (Inside image ©Sankei by Naoki Aikawa)
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It has been less than a month since Sanae Takaichi became Japan's first female prime minister. Soon after Takaichi became the Liberal Democratic Party's president, Komeito withdrew from the government. In its place, Nippon Ishin no Kai stepped up, joining the LDP in creating a new ruling coalition.
On the international stage, Takaichi has been working tirelessly — meeting immediately with leaders from the United States, China, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian countries. To me, it feels as if Japan has become a different country. That is the kind of impact a determined leader can have.
North Korean Abductions
On November 3, the Prime Minister attended a large rally calling for the resolution of the North Korean abductions issue. She vowed to to achieve a swift resolution "by any means necessary." Her direct words gave participants great courage, and nearly all rose to their feet to see her off as she left.
"This event is held every year, but it has never had an atmosphere like this," one attendee remarked.
At the gathering, Takaichi revealed that Japan had requested an unconditional meeting with Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, with the goal of securing the immediate and collective return of all abductees.
Takaichi has expressed her determination to finally resolve the abduction issue, which has lingered for half a century. Yet questions remain: Will North Korea respond? How can a resolution be reached? The path forward is still uncertain.
Expert Insights
Amid these developments, on November 10, JAPAN Forward published an interview with Tsutomu Nishioka, a Korean Peninsula expert and chairman of Sukuu-Kai, the National Association for the Rescue of Japanese Kidnapped by North Korea. Also a distinguished professor and prolific author, he stated that "Japan's meeting with North Korea is highly plausible." The interview, conducted by JAPAN Forward reporter Kenji Yoshida, was one of our most-read articles in the week of November 9.
According to Nishioka, a US–North Korea summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un could take place in or after March 2026. If that meeting produces meaningful results, the chances of a Japan–North Korea summit immediately afterward are also high.
Humanitarian Aid
In North Korea, energy shortages caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities have driven prices sharply upward. Therefore, Nishioka suggests that Kim may agree to dismantle uranium enrichment facilities and abandon intercontinental ballistic missiles in exchange for massive financial aid.
This decision would likely depend on whether Kim can secure enough nuclear warheads and fissile material — roughly equivalent to 100 warheads — to ensure the survival of his regime.
In a Trump-Kim summit scenario, Japan would provide the funds for humanitarian aid, creating the best opportunity yet to resolve the abduction issue. Negotiations with North Korea will undoubtedly be challenging.
However, this may be Japan's last chance to hold serious talks to rescue abductees, who are growing older with each passing year. Still, the appearance of a glimmer of hope has strengthened our resolve.
Chinese Diplomat's Threat
Another of JAPAN Forward's most-read articles last week covered an incident on November 8, when China's Consul-General in Osaka, Xue Jianin, posted a message on X threatening Prime Minister Takaichi for her Diet testimony on a Taiwan contingency.
He wrote, "If you go sticking that filthy neck where it doesn't belong, it's gonna get sliced right off." The post had disappeared by the night of November 9, but when JAPAN Forward shared the news on its social media feed, it sparked a fierce and heated debate.
Japan is a country neighboring a state whose government kidnaps foreign nationals, and another whose diplomats use intimidation reminiscent of organized crime. The harsh realities of this world can be deeply disheartening.
Yet precisely because the world is so full of challenges, Japan must bring hope to those struggling in the shadows, waiting for rescue. JAPAN Forward hopes to contribute to that effort.
Watch for the next issue on December 22.
JAPAN Forward is a media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to advance the future of Japan and its role in the world. For inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@japan-forward.com.
RELATED:
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- Chinese Diplomat Who Makes Violent Threats Must Be Expelled
Author: Yasuo Naito, Editor in Chief
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