Japan's Prime Minister tells abductees' families she will pursue a breakthrough during her tenure

6 October 2026

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae met families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister's Office on 6 October 2026.
Those present included Chairman Furuya of the Parliamentary League on the Abductions Issue, Ms. Yokota, Mr. Iizuka and Mr. Nishioka.
She thanked the group for their recent visit to the United States, where they sought help from officials, lawmakers and experts.
She said she had raised the issue in her speech to the United Nations General Assembly and with leaders she has met since taking office.
She described the matter as a humanitarian issue on which there is no time to lose, and noted that the previous day had been Megumi Yokota's birthday.
She pledged to work with the Chief Cabinet Secretary towards the return of the abductees to their homeland.