By Kenta Sugawara

　　　A summit meeting to normalize relations between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was held in Pyongyang by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong�� on Sepetember 17. Koizumi had the important task of trying to not only open up new relations with North Korea, but also to solve other matters, such as the frequent espionage operations by suspected North Korean ships, North Korean's missile testing, and the abductions of Japanese nationals carried out by North Korea.

　　　Of all these issues, Japanese citizens were concerned most about whether the North Korean government would admit to the abductions or not. After the summit, they learned that the North Korean government was involved in the abductions and Kim apologized to the Japanese for those incidents. Although Kim acknowledged North Korea's responsibility, Japanese were very surprised and have been wondering whether our government should make a joint declaration with North Korea because of the abduction issue.

　　　However, Japanese must come to grips with the reality of the abductions, especially in perspective of the Japanese army's cruel acts against Koreans before and during the Pacific War, and in the long absence of diplomatic relations with North Korea.

　　　The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Koizumi did not convey the first published report from North Korea on the abductees' deaths to the family members of those concerned before the summit. This indicates that Koizumi took priority over national interests without adequate consideration for the families. However, Koizumi's policy following a joint declaration is that the most important issue for Japan must be to get on the right track regarding relations with North Korea. If the Japanese government had made an effort for normalization immediately after the Pacific Ｗar ended, they could have avoided the sacrifices the abductees made.

　　　After the summit, on October 15, some of the abductees temporarily returned to Japan and this fact meant that talks would go ahead unexpectedly earlier than Japanese thought in order to find out the whole truth. The result shows that the efforts of the family members of the abductees contributed toward the abductees' return.

　　　Because economic conditions in North Korea are serious, North Korea may long to get financial aid and relief goods from Japan by revealing the truth about the abductions. Although the Japanese government should give humanitarian assistance to the North Korean poor, the relief goods from the Japanese government may not reach the needy. The assitance may allow North Korea's army to become more powerful. However, normalization talks will not be realized without bilateral acceptance of rights and concessions taken by both sides.

　　　In respect of those views, the Japanese side, in the spirit of humility, must adress the historical fact that Japan caused tremendous pain and suffering to the people of Korea through its colonial rule in the past and must expresses deep remorse and a heartfelt apology. Also, it must provide North Korea with aid and relief goods for humanitarian assistance. On the other hand, the North Korean side must publish the facts about the abductions of Japanese nationals and confirm the necessity of resolving security problems, including the nuclear issue. Furthermore, the Japanese government must secure the cooperation of the U.S. and South Korean governments to make North Korea give up its nuclear ambitions permanenty.

　　　Those efforts are critically important for Japan's national interests so that Japan can enhance security among the north-east Asian countries, especially between South Korea and North Korea, and then lead to promote world peace. Japanese citizens are hoping that the Japanese government led by Koizumi will hold a conference on the relationship with North Korea with consummate diplomacy, and without depending on military power, and clearly show the world the Japanese policy of pacifism.