"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae regarding the Issue of the Abduction of Japanese Nationals by North Korea

[Place]
[Date] November 14, 2025
[Source] Prime Minister's Office of Japan
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

Reporter: I am Kizu, with The Sankei Shimbun. Thank you for taking my question. Tomorrow, the 15th, marks 48 years since Ms. YOKOTA Megumi was abducted in Niigata City by North Korea when she was 13 years old.

At the Citizens' Rally [to Demand the Immediate Return to Japan of All Abductees at the Same Time] held the other day, you made it known that you have already proposed to the North Korean side that a summit meeting be held. I would like to ask once again about your determination to resolve this issue during your time in office.

Prime Minister Takaichi: Tomorrow, November 15, it will be 48 years since Ms. Yokota Megumi was abducted. It has truly been a terribly long time.

Since the five abduction victims returned to Japan in 2002, not even one of the other abductees, including Ms. Yokota Megumi, has returned home, and I find that profoundly regrettable.

Over these many long years, her family members, including Ms. YOKOTA Sakie, have endured suffering and sorrow, all the while cherishing the thought of embracing her warmly in their arms, reuniting with her while they are still healthy. There is not a moment to spare, none whatsoever, in resolving the abductions issue. That is my thinking on this matter.

I wish to engage with Chairman Kim Jong-un directly, speaking leader to leader, as we work to build a new and fruitful relationship between Japan and North Korea. I intend to take bold actions in response to various circumstances, leading to tangible results.

I am absolutely determined to make a breakthrough on the abductions issue during my tenure no matter what it takes, without ruling out any options. I will do everything in my power to achieve this, and I am committed in every respect to realizing that goal.

I sincerely hope for the good health of the family members and I will do everything I can to ensure that we succeed in bringing the abduction victims back to Japan. I ask for the ongoing cooperation of everyone involved and also the cooperation of the Japanese people.