Tokyo's stance towards a potential summit with North Korea remains guarded following North Korea's stance on the abduction issue being deemed resolved, creating skepticism and caution within the Japanese government. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's expressed desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un faced scrutiny after North Korea asserted that the abduction issue had already been settled, leading to doubts about the summit's potential outcomes and implications.
The ongoing dispute surrounding the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents in past decades has cast a shadow over the diplomatic efforts between Tokyo and Pyongyang. Despite some abductees being returned to Japan following a summit in 2002, the issue remains unresolved with several others still missing, prompting Japan to press North Korea for answers. Kim Yo Jong's statement emphasizing the resolved nature of the abduction issue has added to the complexities of the situation, raising concerns and skepticism within Japan's government circles about the potential success and risks of a high-level meeting between the two countries' leaders.
The Japanese government's cautious approach towards a possible summit with North Korea is influenced by the continuing demands for the return of all abductees to Japan, highlighting the heavy emotional burden carried by the families of those affected. The association of abductees' family members, led by Takuya Yokota, continues to advocate for the repatriation of all Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, refusing to compromise on their demand for a swift resolution to the humanitarian problem. Despite the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the potential summit, Japan remains committed to seeking diplomatic solutions to address the longstanding abduction issue and foster better relations with North Korea, albeit with a sense of vigilance and hesitation.