Japanese Government Apologizes for Prolonged Failure to Repatriate Abductees from North Korea

Government Expresses Regret Over Unresolved Abductions

The Japanese government on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, issued an apology for its continued failure to repatriate Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, a situation that has remained largely unchanged since 2002. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kazuhiko Aoki conveyed the government's deep regret, stating, 'It is extremely regrettable that no other abductees have returned since the return of the five.' He further pledged that the government would 'make every effort to bring all remaining abductees home as soon as possible during our remaining term.'

Historical Context of the Abduction Issue

The issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents dates back to a six-year period between 1977 and 1983. The Japanese government officially recognizes 17 citizens as victims of these abductions. For years, North Korea denied any involvement, but this changed dramatically on September 17, 2002, during a historic summit in Pyongyang. Then-North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il admitted to the abductions and offered an apology to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Following this admission, five abductees were repatriated to Japan on October 15, 2002:

• Chimura Yasushi
• Chimura Fukie
• Hasuike Kaoru
• Hasuike Yukiko
• Soga Hitomi

In July 2004, the children of the Chimura and Hasuike families, who were born in North Korea, were also allowed to join their parents in Japan.

Ongoing Stalemate and Families' Plight

Despite the initial breakthrough in 2002, North Korea has since maintained that the issue is resolved, claiming that the remaining abductees either died or never entered its territory. Pyongyang has provided explanations and alleged evidence, including death certificates and human remains, which Japan has largely deemed unconvincing and, in some cases, found to be forged or inconsistent with DNA testing.

The families of the abductees have been at the forefront of advocacy efforts, forming organizations such as the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea (AFVKN) in 1997. Takuya Yokota, the brother of abductee Megumi Yokota, currently heads this association. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the advanced age of many parents of the abductees; Sakie Yokota, mother of Megumi Yokota, is now the only surviving parent of the remaining abductees. The Japanese government has consistently stated that the normalization of diplomatic relations with North Korea will not proceed until the abduction issue is fully resolved. International partners, including the United States, have expressed full support for Japan's efforts to bring the abductees home.