The Japanese government is cautiously analyzing the intent of a statement by the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that a visit by Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to Pyongyang is possible.

Kim Yo Jong issued the statement on Thursday. She said "the day of the prime minister's Pyongyang visit might come" if Tokyo "does not lay such a stumbling block as the already settled abduction issue in the future way for mending the bilateral relations."

One Japanese government source says North Korea may be studying what approach Tokyo will take toward Pyongyang as Kishida has been sending a positive message on holding a summit between the two countries.

Another opinion within the government is that the statement is nothing more than an attempt to keep Japan in check as North Korea maintains its stance that the abduction issue has been resolved.

Another view is that Pyongyang is seeking to undermine efforts by Japan, the United States and South Korea to jointly address issues related to North Korea.