Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara met with Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota who was abducted by North Korea, at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on January 20, 2026. Sakie expressed hope for progress this year on resolving the abduction issue. Kihara pledged to bring back all abductees.
On Monday, January 20, 2026, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara met with 89-year-old Sakie Yokota at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo. Sakie is the last surviving parent of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at the age of 13. The meeting also included Masaki Ikeda, 61, the representative of Megumi's former classmates.
Ikeda handed Kihara a petition demanding Megumi's quick return to Japan, which gathered 28,827 signatures through events and online campaigns. Sakie said, “It is my sincere hope that this year, we will see positive movement in some way.”
Kihara, who also serves as the minister in charge of the abduction issue, stated, “I am approaching this with the resolve to be the last minister in charge.” He added, “The entire Takaichi Cabinet will work as one to bring her back.” Ikeda noted the seriousness of Kihara and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, saying, “We want them to take steps strongly and immediately.”
Kihara further affirmed, “We will bring back all the abductees (taken by North Korea) no matter what.” The meeting underscores the Japanese government's ongoing commitment to resolving the long-standing abduction issue in North Korea-Japan relations. Sakie will turn 90 next month.
