Why Does The Japanese Government Place Importance On The Abduction Issue With North Korea?

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In Japan, there are two major issues concerning North Korea that attract public attention. One is the missile issue, and the other is the abduction of Japanese citizens.

According to a Japanese government survey conducted in 2024, about 76% of people expressed concern about both issues, indicating that they are considered highly important. In addition, North Korea’s nuclear development is also a major source of anxiety for Japan.

The abduction issue refers to incidents in which North Korea secretly abducted Japanese citizens from the 1970s to the 1980s. Many of the victims suddenly disappeared near Japan’s coastal areas, and it was later discovered that they had been taken to North Korea.

In North Korea, the abducted individuals were forced to teach the Japanese language and Japanese culture. This is believed to have been done in part so that agents could impersonate Japanese people.

At the Japan-North Korea summit meeting held in 2002, North Korea admitted to these abductions for the first time. Some victims were able to return to Japan. However, others are still unaccounted for. The Japanese government considers this a serious human rights issue and continues to demand the return of all victims. (RELATED: Questioning Military Strategy For Northeast Asia)

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In the past, there were periods when the Japanese government did not respond adequately to this issue in the eyes of abductees’ families and supporters, prioritizing the improvement of relations with North Korea. The government has faced strong criticism from members of the public and media.

The current Japanese government places great importance on resolving the abduction issue. For example, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has repeatedly stated her desire to resume talks with North Korea over the matter. However, North Korea’s stance remains strict; a spokesman has stated that North Korea will not engage in dialogue unless Japan is willing to “break with its anachronistic practice and habit,” which has been interpreted to apply to Japan’s concern over abductions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for Japan’s position, but the United States is also focused on issues in other regions, so the opportunity for cooperation has been limited.

Given this limited international support, it remains difficult for Japan to resolve this issue on its own. 

Yoji Gomi is an experienced journalist who has written extensively on Korean Peninsula affairs, especially North Korea.

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