Saturday marked the 60th birthday of Yokota Megumi, a Japanese woman abducted decades ago by North Korea.
In 1977, Megumi was kidnapped by agents from Pyongyang on her way home from school in the city of Niigata. She was 13 years old at the time.
To celebrate her birthday, a charity concert was held in the city by Megumi’s elementary and junior high school classmates, who hope to see her again someday.
Megumi’s mother, Yokota Sakie, sent a video message that was played during the event.
She said: “Megumi is now 60 years old. I wonder why she hasn’t been rescued after such an incredibly long time.” The mother called on people to help save her daughter.
People who knew Megumi spoke about their memories of her.
Soga Hitomi, an abductee who once lived with Megumi in North Korea, was also at the event. She returned to Japan in 2002. She recalled quietly singing a Japanese song with Megumi.
Soga said that her wish is to go to a karaoke parlor with Megumi and sing the same song again, but loudly.
Maruyama Yoshiaki is a former classmate of Megumi’s. He said that Megumi was a cheerful and smart girl with a nice smile. Maruyama added that she talked a lot. He said he really wants to see her again.
At the end of the event, the classmates sang songs that they once performed at their junior high school. They also vowed to see Megumi again as soon as possible.
The Japanese government says at least 17 citizens were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s.
Five returned to Japan after a summit in 2002.
But the other 12 remain unaccounted for.