Late last year, I traveled to Japan to meet with journalists, government analysts and academics knowledgeable about North Korea, seeking their insights on the DPRK and Tokyo’s ties with Pyongyang.

And I returned from my trip near certain that, at least for now, Japan is unlikely to engage with North Korea, despite prominent reports to the contrary.

Back in September, the respected and well-informed Asahi Daily reportedthat Tokyo had begun secret discussions with Pyongyang in spring 2023. These talks at an undisclosed location in Southeast Asia reportedly focused on the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea and