The mother of a Japanese woman abducted to North Korea has urged the government to take action for the immediate return of all abduction victims, ahead of her daughter's 61st birthday.
Yokota Sakie spoke to reporters on Thursday three days before the birthday of Megumi.
Megumi was kidnapped by North Korean agents on her way home from a junior high school in Niigata City on the coast of Sea of Japan on November 15, 1977. She was then 13 years old.
The mother showed reporters a children's book about a kitten and said Megumi liked this book so much that she always brought it to her and asked her to read it.
Yokota said she is lost for words when she realizes so many years have passed since then.
In February, the father of another abductee passed away at the age of 96 without being reunited with his daughter, Arimoto Keiko.
His death leaves Yokota, aged 89, as the only surviving parent of the 12 government-recognized abductees who remain unaccounted for.
Yokota was asked about the leadership election of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party scheduled for Saturday.
She said it is important for the next Prime Minister to take action for the sake of Japan.
She stressed that for nearly 50 years such serious incidents have remained unsolved. She said that in the past she had earnestly asked many prime ministers for action, but their answers were always like they understand her request very well and they are doing all they can. She added that nothing has moved forward.
Yokota said that at her age, she does not know what will happen, but she is always trying her best to stay in shape.
She stressed that whoever becomes the next prime minister, the person should hold summit talks with the North Korean leader so that all the victims can return home as soon as possible.

Quiz 1:
In which year was Megumi, a Japanese woman abducted to North Korea, kidnapped?
A. 1976
B. 1977
C. 1980
D. 1985

Quiz 2:
Where was Megumi when she was kidnapped by North Korean agents?
A. Tokyo City
B. Niigata City on the coast of Sea of Japan
C. Kyoto City
D. Osaka City

Quiz 3:
As of 2025, who is the only surviving parent of the 12 government-recognized abductees who remain unaccounted for?
A. Yokota Sakie
B. Arimoto Keiko's father
C. An unknown person
D. The North Korean leader