On November 16, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met with family members of victims abducted by North Korea at the Prime Minister's Office. The families reiterated their demands for the immediate return of all victims, emphasizing their concern that swift action is necessary to secure their loved ones' return while they are still alive. Takaichi responded with determination, expressing the government's goal to create a breakthrough and achieve concrete results in negotiations regarding this sensitive issue.

During the meeting, representatives from the 'Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea' outlined their policy direction agreed upon a day earlier, which includes a commitment to oppose the lifting of sanctions on North Korea and negotiations for normalizing relations until all abductees are returned. Takuya Yokota, the brother of the most recognized victim, Megumi Yokota, highlighted the issue as a violation of sovereignty and human rights, stressing the need to end the normalization of North Korea's actions while addressing their impact in Japan.

Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her eagerness to engage in discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting the need for both nations to envision a future where peace and prosperity are attainable. Furthermore, Saki Yokota, Megumi's mother, called for the Prime Minister to dedicate herself entirely to dialogue, stressing the urgency and importance of the matter to their families and the nation as a whole.