Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s vow to use “any means necessary” to bring home Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea has reignited a debate over how Tokyo intends to break the long-standing deadlock with Pyongyang.
Takaichi has also pledged to take “proactive action” – language that analysts say marks a clear departure from the cautious tone adopted by her predecessors.
Some have interpreted her remarks as a potential switch to high-pressure diplomacy targeting Pyongyang, including the deployment of troops.
Takaichi made the comments during a rally on Monday in which she also announced that her government had reached out to Pyongyang and proposed a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
She held her first meeting with relatives of the abductees and their supporters on October 23, just two days after she was elected prime minister, and was also present when the relatives met with US President Donald Trump while he was in Tokyo last week and urged him to support their cause.
“I have already conveyed to the North Korean side my desire to hold a summit meeting,” Takaichi said at the rally. “To resolve the abduction issue, it is most important for our country to take proactive action.
