Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has reiterated that he is determined to bring home people who were abducted by North Korea.
Kishida spoke to reporters on Wednesday. The day marked 46 years since a 13-year-old junior high school girl was kidnapped by North Korean agents on the Sea of Japan coast.
Yokota Megumi was abducted in Niigata City on November 15, 1977. She was on her way home from school.
Kishida said it is extremely regrettable that Yokota and many other people are still in North Korea.
Kishida noted that time is limited, as the abductees' family members are getting older. He said the abduction matter is a pressing human rights issue.
Kishida said he feels strongly that bold efforts must be made to bring back the abductees as soon as possible.