From left, Masako Kitadani (eldest), Naoko Arimoto (second), and Ikuko Arimoto (fourth) share memories while looking at photos of their abducted sister Keiko. Masako and Ikuko have joined the Families Association to campaign for her return. Nagata Ward, Kobe City, Oct. 16. (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo)
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Families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea are expected to meet with United States President Donald Trump on October 28, a day after his arrival in Japan.
One of the families attending is that of Keiko Arimoto, who was abducted at age 23 in July 1983. At the time, she was studying in London when an ex-wife of a member of the Yodogo hijacking group contacted her in May. Shortly after, operatives who met Keiko in Denmark abducted her to North Korea.
Keiko's sisters, Masako Kitatani (69) and Ikuko (64), will join the meeting with Trump. "We want to express our gratitude in person for the kind words President Trump sent to our father," they said, looking forward to the encounter.
Trump has met with the families of abduction victims during his previous visits to Japan, highlighting his cooperative stance on the issue.
Seeking Trump's Support
In 2017, during his first term, Trump raised the abduction issue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The matter was later discussed at the 2018 and 2019 US–North Korea summits, at the request of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
In May 2019, Akihiro Arimoto, Keiko's father, sent a letter to Trump seeking his continued support. The following month, a reply arrived from the president: "I am working hard for you. So is PM Abe. You will win." Overcome with joy, Akihiro wept.
Unfortunately, Akihiro passed away on February 15 this year, without ever having the chance to see his daughter again. Despite his worsening condition, Akihiro told his family, "I had a good life."
Masako noted that her mother had said the same words before passing in 2020.
"I believe they were sincere, but if Keiko had been with us, it would have been perfect," she reflected, pressing her fingertips to her eyes.
Cherished Memories, Missed Reunions
Ikuko, the fourth of the sisters, had spent time with Keiko shortly before her abduction. She had visited London during Japan's Golden Week in May 1983.
"My sister knew her way around the trains and took me to sightseeing spots and great restaurants," Ikuko recalled. "It was a joyful week."
Around the same time, Masako sent a letter to Keiko saying, "My baby is due in September. We'll be able to meet in Japan."
Sadly, Keiko was abducted before that meeting could ever take place. The child turned 42 in 2025.
Fighting for Recognition
Clues about Keiko's whereabouts emerged when a letter from Toru Ishioka, who had also been abducted in Europe, arrived at his family home in Sapporo in September 1963.
It revealed that he and Keiko were "living in Pyongyang." The news steeled Akihiro and Kayoko's spirits.
After moving to Tokyo, Akihiro and Kayoko sought help from Diet members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, and other authorities, sharing the contents of the letter and requesting rescue efforts.
Most officials responded with excuses, such as "Japan has no diplomatic relations with North Korea," and initially, the issue received little public attention.
Before the Families Association was established in 1997, public awareness and concern over the abductions were largely limited.
Sisters Step Forward for Keiko
During the 2002 Japan–North Korea summit, Pyongyang admitted to abducting Japanese citizens but claimed that Keiko had "died from gas poisoning." With no evidence to support this, her parents continued to speak out.
Akihiro and Kayoko sometimes vented their frustration at the situation, asking, "What on earth is Japan doing?" Yet they never involved their children in their efforts. "My mother always wanted us to live our own lives," Ikuko recalled.
After Akihiro's passing, however, the sisters decided to join the Families Association. "We can't let North Korea think we've given up," they said in unison. "We believe Keiko is alive and will wait forever. We must show that resolve."
At the meeting on Tuesday, Masako plans to bring the letter her father received from Trump. "Ultimately, this issue should be resolved by Japan," she said.
"But American support is necessary. Along with expressing gratitude for the letter, I want to convey that we have carried on his will and ask for their assistance."
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- North Korean Defector Ri Il-gyu on Abductions and the Kim Regime's Future
- Megumi's Mother Speaks: A Long Battle for Justice and Hope
Author: Shoki Nakamura, The Sankei Shimbun
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