- Japan's government spokesperson, Kihara Minoru, is prioritizing the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
- Kihara met with Megumi Yokota's mother and former classmates, receiving a petition with nearly 29,000 signatures.
- Kihara vowed to be the final abduction issue minister and will work closely with Prime Minister Takaichi to achieve the abductees' return.

A: Hey! Did you hear anything about the North Korean abduction issue?

B: No, what's new?

A: The government spokesperson, Kihara, is really pushing to get the Japanese people back.

B: Seriously? That’s good to hear!

A: Yeah! He met with Yokota Sakie, you know, Megumi’s mom?

B: Oh, right! It's been so long…

A: They gave him a petition with almost 29,000 signatures! People really want this resolved.

B: Wow! That’s a lot of people.

A: Yokota-san said she just doesn’t understand why it's so difficult. She wants to see some progress *this* year.

B: Poor woman. It must be so hard.

A: Kihara said he wants to be the *last* person in charge of this. He’s determined to get everyone home.

B: That’s a strong statement!

A: And Prime Minister Takaichi is on board too! She’s promising to do *anything* to make it happen.

B: That's hopeful! Fingers crossed it actually works out this time.