Japan’s new prime minister seeks direct talks with Kim Jong Un

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday that Tokyo has officially expressed its wish to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, aiming to reopen dialogue on the decades-old abduction of Japanese nationals. According to Kyodo News, Japan’s request for talks has already been delivered to Pyongyang.

Focus on abductees

Speaking at an event in Tokyo dedicated to families of those abducted, Takaichi emphasized that resolving the issue remains one of her top national goals. “I will do everything within my tenure to achieve a breakthrough and bring concrete results,” she said, highlighting the emotional and political weight of the abduction cases that have strained Japan–North Korea relations for years.

Historical background

The abductions, which Japan says occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, involve 17 officially recognized Japanese citizens who were taken to North Korea. Only five were allowed to return home after historic negotiations between then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2002. Since then, no significant progress has been reported.

Diplomatic tension continues

Tokyo and Pyongyang have no formal diplomatic relations, and North Korea maintains that the abduction issue has already been resolved. Analysts note that Takaichi, known for her conservative stance similar to that of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, may adopt a firm but pragmatic approach. Observers in Türkiye and the broader region are watching whether this renewed effort could open a rare diplomatic channel between the two nations.

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