“But this is not the one that comes true, as wanted or decided by Japan,” Kim Yo Jong said. Observers say North Korea likely aims for better ties with Japan to drive a wedge between the United States and its allies. Meanwhile, Tokyo wants to resolve the cases of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea during the 1970s and 1980s. Koizumi made a second visit to North Korea and met Kim Jong Il again in 2004, the last time the two nations held talks. Chances for a North Korea-Japan summit remain slim as North Korea refuses to return to diplomacy with the U.S. and South Korea since 2019.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 23, 2026 11:55 UTC