U.S. Envoy to U.N. Meets Japanese Abductees’ Families

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield met with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago during a visit to Tokyo on April 18, 2024. The ambassador pledged continued U.S. support in pressing for the return of the abductees, who were taken by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s.

Japan says North Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens, mostly teenagers and others living along the coast, to train them as agents. While five were allowed to return home for a visit in 2002, 12 remain missing. The abductees include Megumi Yokota, who was taken at the age of 13 in 1977.

During the meeting, Thomas-Greenfield expressed empathy for the families' pain and suffering. "The United States stands with Japan and the international community in pressing for a resolution that would allow the reunification of all families separated by North Korea's policies," she said. The ambassador reiterated the Biden administration's commitment to raising the abduction issue at every opportunity and calling for the return of the abducted Japanese citizens.

Why this matters: The abduction issue remains a significant obstacle in Japan-North Korea relations and a source of ongoing pain for the families of the victims. U.S. support in resolving this decades-long problem is crucial for maintaining strong ties with its key ally, Japan, and addressing human rights concerns in the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stated his determination to hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve the return of the abductees. However, experts say a summit would be difficult due to preconditions set by Pyongyang. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan have been deepening security ties amid growing tensions in the region from North Korea and China.

Sakie Yokota, the 87-year-old mother of Megumi Yokota, pleaded with the ambassador for continued support, expressing her desire to see her daughter again before she passes away. "I am determined to meet my daughter while I am still in good health," she said. Takuya Yokota, who heads a group of relatives of the abductees, asked for U.S. understanding of the group's policy of not opposing a possible lifting of Japan's sanctions on North Korea if certain conditions are met, such as the return of all victims at once.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. envoy met families of Japanese abducted by N. Korea decades ago
• N. Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese, 12 remain missing, including Megumi Yokota
• U.S. pledged support in pressing for return of abductees, a key Japan-N. Korea issue
• Japan's PM seeks summit with N. Korea to achieve return of abductees, but obstacles remain
• Families plead for continued support, hope to reunite with abductees before passing