Japan Seeks Summit with North Korea Over Abductions

Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has formally requested a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un seeking a breakthrough on decades‑old abductions of Japanese citizens and saying she will do "everything" to resolve the issue. Tokyo says at least 17 people were taken in the 1970s and 1980s; Pyongyang admitted in 2002 to abducting 13 and allowed five to return, but disputes Japan's count and says others died or never entered the DPRK — a conclusion Japan rejects. Takaichi, the first woman to lead Japan and the recently chosen LDP chief, pledged to work closely with the United States and other allies and recently met U.S. President Donald Trump, who affirmed support. If realized, the proposed summit would be the first leaders' meeting between Japan and North Korea in more than 20 years. The bid comes amid broader regional diplomacy at forums such as APEC, where countries are emphasizing cooperation and stability in Northeast Asia.