To Resolve the Abductions, Ishiba Must Secure US Cooperation

Expectations are high for United States President Donald Trump to help resolve the long-stalled abductions issue. At the upcoming summit on February 7, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba must urge Trump to take strong action. The strongest influence on Trump will come from the heartfelt emotions and unwavering determination of the victims' families and the Japanese public.

Trump's Commitment

During his first administration, Trump held multiple summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and directly confronted him about the abductions. When asked at a press conference why he raised the issue, Trump responded that it was "a top priority for Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe."

When Shigeru Yokota, the father of abductee Megumi Yokota passed away, Trump sent a letter of condolence. In it, he stated that he would continue "this important work to finally bring Megumi home."

*President Trump meets with Sakie Yokota and other abductee families in Japan (©Sankei).*

What drove Trump to take such action was Abe's persistent persuasion and the dedication of the victims' families, who met with him multiple times. It was the united front between the administration and the families that achieved these results.

Ishiba's Lackluster Determination

By contrast, Ishiba's response in a recent parliamentary session was uninspiring. Constitutional Democratic Party lawmaker Kentaro Genma asked the Prime Minister what he would do to secure US cooperation on the abduction issue. "I am not in a position to know how the US will negotiate with North Korea in the future," he replied. Such indifferent remarks are unlikely to resonate with Trump.

Ishiba has long advocated for establishing liaison offices in both Tokyo and Pyongyang. However, Takuya Yokota, head of the abductees' families' association, opposes the idea. "A liaison office would only buy North Korea time and lead to the abduction issue being swept under the rug. It plays right into their hands," he warned. Any division between the Prime Minister and the victims' families would only please North Korea.

Time to Step Up

Kaoru Hasuike, one of the abductees who returned to Japan in 2002, once stated, "North Korea is watching to see whether the Japanese government and public remain committed to resolving the abduction issue." Ishiba must take these words to heart.

*US President Donald Trump meets families of abductees in 2019* *(©Sankei).*

The 2002 summit between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and then-North Korean leader Kim Jong Il led to the return of five abductees. This breakthrough was made possible by strong pressure from the George W Bush administration, which had labeled North Korea part of the "axis of evil."

Resolving the abduction issue and halting North Korea's nuclear and missile programs cannot be achieved without US involvement. As a nation with overwhelming military and economic power, it plays a crucial role in addressing these threats.

Can Ishiba gain Trump's attention on the North Korean issue? That is the critical mission before him.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun