A Japanese man whose sister was abducted by North Korea decades ago has called for her quick return at a rally in the western city of Yonago.

The event was organized by the Japanese government and Tottori Prefecture. About 300 people attended, including Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa.

Matsumoto Hajime's sister, Kyoko, was kidnapped in 1977 when she was 29 years old.

Hajime said he spends each day hoping that his younger sister will come home. He said nothing is more precious than life and sincerely facing the other party is sure to break the ice. He appealed for public support until the day his sister returns.

Hajime told reporters that the issue of the abductees will not be resolved until the prime minister takes action. He urged Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to do his utmost to bring the victims home as soon as possible.

Hayashi also visited the site where Kyoko was kidnapped. He was accompanied by her brother and Tottori Governor Hirai Shinji.

Hayashi was told that Kyoko was on her way to a knitting class when she was abducted.

Hayashi told reporters that it is heart-wrenching to think about how people are feeling as they wait for their loved ones to return. He said there is not a moment to lose in resolving this humanitarian issue as the abductees' family members are aging. He also said the abductions are a violation of national sovereignty.

Hayashi went on to say that the Japanese government has been making various approaches to North Korea through different channels. He added that the government will take the most effective steps to bring home all the abductees as soon as possible.