It has been 1 years since Megumi Yokota, a first-year junior high school student, was abducted by North Korea while she was on her way home from school.
Her mother, Sakie, told NHK, "I am filled with frustration, emptiness, and sadness due to the lack of progress, and I hope that the Japan government will be prepared to take action and hold a Japan-North Korea summit meeting as soon as possible to bring back the victims."
On November 1, 1977, when Megumi Yokota was in her first year of junior high school, she was abducted by North Korea on her way home from school in Niigata City.
It's been 11 years since then.
Her mother, Sakie, told NHK last night, "I can't help but wonder why there has been so little movement even though I have been giving lectures and signing petitions all over the country to rescue her, and I have been asking successive prime ministers to do so.
Ms. Sakie fell ill last spring, but she said about her recent physical condition, "I feel that my body is getting weaker as I get older, and I live my life thinking that I need to be more careful about my body so that I can see her again in good health."
In addition, he called on the Japan government to "work with determination and hold a Japan-North Korea summit meeting as soon as possible to recover the victims."
On the 14th, Kaoru Hasuike, who was abducted by North Korea in 1978 and returned to Japan 21 years ago, gave a lecture in Niigata City.
In his remarks, Mr. Hasuike stated that North Korea's explanations, such as the circumstances under which Megumi's remains were found, were not true and unacceptable, and that "I would like you to reaffirm your interest in the truth of the abduction issue, and based on this, we must carry out rescue activities with conviction."
In addition, Hasuike said that as family members waiting for their immediate family members to return to Japan are aging, it is impossible to think of improving relations as North Korea hopes in the future unless the victims' generation is returned while their parents are still alive, and that "it is necessary to convey to North Korea the message that time is not only for Japan but also for North Korea."
As for what the Japan government should do to resolve the issue, he said, "It is necessary to find out what North Korea is thinking and wanting, gather information, clarify the Japan's position to North Korea, and lead to a summit meeting. I would like to call on the Japan to open up a route with North Korea and convey a clear intention of the side."
A woman in her 70s who visited the venue said, "I hope the government will work hard to reunite Megumi and Sakie."