Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed her willingness to meet Kim Jong Un to resolve the long-stalled issue of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals, stating that she was prepared to take “a courageous step forward” for both countries.

Speaking at a mass gathering in Tokyo, Takaichi stressed that Japan cannot afford further delays in securing the return of Japanese nationals kidnapped by DPRK operatives in the 1970s and 1980s. 

“While I am in office, I am determined to make a breakthrough and resolve the abduction issue, without excluding any options,” she said, according to a press releaseissued by