October 28, 2025 | 05:30 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump met on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, with the families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea several decades ago, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to help bring the victims home.
According to The Japan Today, the meeting was held at the State Guest House in Tokyo, where Trump also had his first face-to-face discussion with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi.
“I'm with them all the way, and the U.S. is with them all the way,” Trump told the families, assuring them that his administration stands firmly with Japan on the abduction issue.
Among those present was Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, one of the most symbolic figures in the long-standing case. Megumi was abducted in 1977 on her way home from school at the age of 13.
Looking at photos of the victims held by family members, Trump said, “They are so beautiful,” before adding, “We will do everything in our power.”
The meeting was also attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior Japanese officials. Rubio later expressed gratitude to the families for their “continued advocacy on behalf of their loved ones,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
In a separate session, Trump and Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, both of whom reaffirmed Japan’s cooperation with the United States in resolving the abduction issue promptly.
After the meeting, Sakie Yokota told reporters, “I believe something good will happen.”
Trump had also met the families during his first term in office, pledging similar support.
Background: North Korea’s Abductions of Japanese Citizens
Japan officially recognizes 17 citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, although Tokyo suspects that many more may have been taken.
Five of the abductees were repatriated in 2002, but efforts to bring back the remaining victims have seen little progress since then.
Trump has frequently cited his “good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, despite their failed denuclearization talks in 2019. He has also expressed interest in reopening diplomatic dialogue with Pyongyang.
Currently, both Japan and the United States maintain no diplomatic relations with North Korea.
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