Sakie Yokota, mother of Japanese abductee Megumi Yokota, turned 90 on February 4, lamenting the lack of progress in bringing her daughter home from North Korea after nearly five decades. In an interview, she expressed profound sadness over Japan's unresolved efforts. She affirmed her resolve to push for resolution, even expressing willingness to visit North Korea.
In Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Sakie Yokota has not seen her daughter Megumi, abducted by North Korean agents on November 15, 1977, in Niigata City at age 13, for 48 years. In a recent interview with media organizations, she said, “Everyone ages, but I never imagined spending my life in this way.” She added, “It’s sad to see Japan unable to resolve this issue for so long.”
“We could have lived happily if we were together,” she said. “This is endless suffering.” Having suffered from angina a few years ago, Sakie revealed her determination to live as long as possible to witness resolution.
She expressed eagerness to travel to North Korea herself, stating, “I don’t care what happens to me.” Regarding Sunday's snap election for the House of Representatives, she doubted the timing and urged the government to prioritize the rescue of Japanese nationals.
Sakie noted that North Korea is waiting for the victims' families to age and die, and she intends to speak out with all her strength, questioning whether Japan should remain seen as powerless.
Since Akihiro Arimoto, father of another abductee Keiko Arimoto, died in February 2025, Sakie is now the last surviving parent of a government-recognized unreturned abductee.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara apologized for no abductee returns since 2002. He described the issue as the top priority for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, not only humanitarian but also a sovereignty violation. “We will do everything possible to resolve various issues with North Korea, including the return of all abduction victims as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.
