Concerning the disappearance of a Japanese who were studying in Europe in 1983, it has been reported in the press that, "she may have been abducted by North Korea." What measures is the Government of Japan taking to resolve this issue?

March 2002

1. The Government of Japan recognizes the abduction cases as one of the most serious issues concerning the lives of Japanese national and considers that the issue cannot be evaded in any way in normalizing the relations between Japan and North Korea. In the past, in bilateral talks including normalization talks between Japan and North Korea, Japan has repeatedly explained that the issue of abductions can never be avoided when seeking to improve Japan-North Korea relations and has clearly taken a firm stance thus.
2. In addition, the Government of Japan, while making efforts to resolve this issue bilaterally, has for many years emphasized the importance of the issue in the international community, including the countries councerned such as the Republic of Korea and the United States. Further, Japan has explained its position on the abduction cases and stressed the importance of resolving this issue in international conferences and regional fora.
3. The Government of Japan will continue to utilize every possible opportunity for discussion in order to resolve the abductions case and will persistently call on North Korea for a serious response.