Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi demands the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea at the “National Rally” in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Nov. 3. (Photo by Shota Tomonaga)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Nov. 3 revealed that she has called on Pyongyang to help arrange a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“I have already conveyed to the North Korean side my desire to hold a summit meeting,” she said at a “National Rally” held in Tokyo to demand the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

“To resolve the abduction issue, it is most important for our country to take proactive action,” Takaichi said. “Regarding this problem, which concerns both the lives of the abductees and our nation’s sovereignty, I am prepared to consider all possible measures.”

North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s abducted a number of Japanese for its espionage program.

In September 2002, during the summit between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyong, the North Korean side admitted to abducting Japanese nationals.

Although Pyongyang allowed five Japanese abductees to return home, North Korea said the others had either died or never entered the country.

Japan has rejected this explanation and demanded a further investigation into the whereabouts of the missing Japanese.

“If the abduction issue is resolved, not only our country but also North Korea and the international community will greatly benefit,” Takaichi said. “By taking the lead myself and acting boldly, I aim to achieve concrete results.”

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