Search｜Photos & Images & Videos｜KYODO NEWS IMAGES INC

Online U.N. symposium on N. Korea's abductions of Japanese

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks remotely from Tokyo on June 24, 2026, for a U.N. symposium on the abduction issue. Yokota's elder sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Online U.N. symposium on N. Korea's abductions of Japanese

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks remotely from Tokyo on June 24, 2026, for a U.N. symposium on the abduction issue. Yokota's elder sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

[Breaking News]Rally of abductees' families

TOKYO, Japan, June 1 Kyodo - Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a rally in Tokyo on May 30, 2026. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13. (Kyodo)

E

Rally of abductees' families

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a rally in Tokyo on May 30, 2026. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Study session on abduction issue for new LDP lawmakers

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, meets the press at the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Tokyo on May 14, 2026, after making a speech during a study session held the same day for newly elected LDP lawmakers. His elder sister Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a government-sponsored forum on the abduction issue in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. His elder sister Megumi (R in picture) was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Forum on abduction issue in Nagoya

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a government-sponsored forum on the abduction issue in Nagoya, central Japan, on Feb. 21, 2026. His elder sister Megumi (R in picture) was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Sakie Yokota (front R), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, speaks to reporters following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026. Standing next to her is her son Takuya, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s.

E

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, meets the press following a meeting between members of the group and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026. His elder sister Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Takuya Yokota (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026. Sitting next to him is his mother Sakie, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13.

E

Families of abductees meet with PM Takaichi

Sakie Yokota (C), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2026. Her son Takuya (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, also attended the meeting.

E

Families of abductees hold rally in Tokyo

Takuya Yokota (2nd from L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks during a joint rally with a group supporting them in Tokyo on Feb. 15, 2026.

E

Symposium on N. Korea's abductions

TOKYO, Japan, Dec. 14 Kyodo - Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks at a government-sponsored symposium on the issue in Tokyo on Dec. 13, 2025. He called for the early return of abductees including his older sister Megumi, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13. (Kyodo)

E

Symposium on N. Korea's abductions

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, speaks at a government-sponsored symposium on the issue in Tokyo on Dec. 13, 2025. He called for the early return of abductees including his older sister Megumi, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

48th anniv. of Megumi Yokota's abduction

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (C) meets the press during a visit to the site in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo, where Megumi Yokota was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, together with her younger twin brothers Tetsuya (L) and Takuya on Nov. 15, 2025, the 48th anniversary of her abduction.

E

48th anniv. of Megumi Yokota's abduction

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (C) meets the press during a visit to the site in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo, where Megumi Yokota was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, together with her younger twin brothers Tetsuya (L) and Takuya on Nov. 15, 2025, the 48th anniversary of her abduction.

E

48th anniv. of Megumi Yokota's abduction

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara (far R) visits the site in Niigata, northwest of Tokyo, where Megumi Yokota was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, together with her younger twin brothers Tetsuya (2nd from R) and Takuya (2nd from L) on Nov. 15, 2025, the 48th anniversary of her abduction.

E

Rally of abductees' families

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, speaks at a rally in Tokyo on Nov. 3, 2025, calling for their early return. Yokota is the younger brother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

U.S. secretary of state meets with relatives of Japanese abductees

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (front row, 3rd from R) meets with relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s, at the State Guest House in Tokyo on Oct. 28, 2025. Takuya Yokota (front row, 2nd from L), head of a group representing the families, attended the meeting with his mother Sakie (front row, 3rd from L), whose daughter, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13. (Pool photo)

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

Takuya Yokota (L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, and his mother, Sakie, meet the press after attending a meeting with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, including Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing them, at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, including Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing them, at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) meets with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, including Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing them, at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

Takuya Yokota (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, and his mother Sakie attend a meeting with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Japan PM Takaichi meets kin of abductees

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, and his mother Sakie attend a meeting with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 23, 2025. Takuya's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Junior high school student meeting on abductions by N. Korea

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese abducted by North Korea, speaks to over 60 junior high school students from across Japan during a government-sponsored meeting in Tokyo on Aug. 8, 2025, to enhance public awareness, especially among young people, of the abduction issue. His sister Megumi was abducted at age 13 in 1977.

E

U.N. symposium on N. Korea's abductions

Takuya Yokota (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, and Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi (C), take part in an online U.N. symposium on the abduction issue from Tokyo on June 26, 2025. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

U.N. symposium on N. Korea's abductions

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, takes part in an online U.N. symposium on the abduction issue from Tokyo on June 26, 2025. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Abductees' families hold rally

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, speaks during a rally in Tokyo on May 24, 2025, holding a picture of abductee Keiko Arimoto whose father Akihiro died in February at age 96. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Abductees' families meet with PM

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, speaks to journalists after he and other group members met with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the premier's office in Tokyo on May 22, 2025. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Relatives of abductees meet with new U.S. ambassador

Takuya Yokota (2nd from R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, and his mother Sakie (C) hold a press conference in Tokyo on May 15, 2025, after they and other group members met with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass. Takuya Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Relatives of abductees meet with new U.S. ambassador

Takuya Yokota (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, and his mother Sakie hold a press conference in Tokyo on May 15, 2025, after they and other group members met with new U.S. Ambassador to Japan George Glass. Takuya Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Head of abductee families group returns home from Washington

TOKYO, Japan, May 4 Kyodo - Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, meets the press at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 4, 2025, following a trip to Washington for meetings with U.S. government officials and lawmakers. Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13. (Kyodo)

E

Head of abductee families group returns home from Washington

Takuya Yokota (C), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, meets the press at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 4, 2025, following a trip to Washington for meetings with U.S. government officials and lawmakers. Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Head of abductee families group returns home from Washington

Takuya Yokota (L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, meets the press at Tokyo's Haneda airport on May 4, 2025, following a trip to Washington for meetings with U.S. government officials and lawmakers. Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Families of Japanese abductees in Washington

Takuya Yokota (far R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea and whose sister was taken in 1977 at age 13, speaks at a press conference in Washington on April 30, 2025, after meeting with U.S. government officials and lawmakers to seek assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to bring their loved ones home.

E

Head of abductee families group departs for Washington

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, meets the press at Tokyo's Haneda airport on April 29, 2025, before flying to Washington for meetings with U.S. government officials and lawmakers.

E

Head of abductee families group departs for Washington

Takuya Yokota (3rd from L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades earlier, meets the press at Tokyo's Haneda airport on April 29, 2025, before flying to Washington for meetings with U.S. government officials and lawmakers. Yokota's sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at age 13.

E

Signature-collecting drive by relatives of abductees

Takuya Yokota (L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, holds a signature-collecting drive with other group members in Tokyo's Ginza area on April 26, 2025. Yokota's sister Megumi was taken away in 1977 at age 13.

E

Signature-collecting drive by relatives of abductees

Takuya Yokota (C), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, and other group members meet the press after holding a signature-collecting drive in Tokyo's Ginza area on April 26, 2025. Yokota's sister Megumi was taken away in 1977 at age 13.

E

Signature-collecting drive by relatives of abductees

Takuya Yokota (4th from L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, holds a signature-collecting drive with other group members in Tokyo's Ginza area on April 26, 2025. Yokota's sister Megumi was taken away in 1977 at age 13.

E

Japan PM meet families of abductees

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (far L) meets with families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea at the premier's office in Tokyo on Feb. 20, 2025. Among them were Takuya Yokota (2nd from L), head of a group representing the families, whose sister Megumi was abducted by the North in 1977 at age 13, and their mother, Sakie (2nd from R).

E

Families of abductees slam gov't plan for N. Korea liaison offices

Takuya Yokota (L), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2025. The group reaffirmed its opposition to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's plan to set up liaison offices in Tokyo and Pyongyang to resolve the long-standing issue.

E

Families of abductees slam gov't plan for N. Korea liaison offices

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on Feb. 16, 2025. The group reaffirmed its opposition to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's plan to set up liaison offices in Tokyo and Pyongyang to resolve the long-standing issue.

E

Rally of abductees' families

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea decades ago, speaks during a rally seeking the abductees' early return in Tokyo on Nov. 23, 2024. Yokota's sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea in 1977 aged 13.

E

Event on North Korean abduction issue

Tetsuya (L) and Takuya Yokota, younger brothers of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, speaks to reporters on Nov. 16, 2024, after attending an event in the central Japan city of Niigata, to mark the 47th anniversary of the abduction on Nov. 15.

E

Japan PM Ishiba meets abductees' families

Sakie Yokota (front, L), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea at age 13 in 1977, meets the press following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2024. Seen on the right is Megumi's brother Takuya.

E

Japan PM Ishiba meets abductees' families

Sakie Yokota (C), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea at age 13 in 1977, speaks during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the premier's office in Tokyo on Oct. 17, 2024. Seen on the right is Megumi's brother Takuya.

E

Meeting to support Japanese abductees

Takuya Yokota, head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea and whose sister Megumi was taken away in 1977 at age 13, speaks during a meeting in Tokyo on Oct. 4, 2024, hosted by a group working for the return of Japanese abductees.

E

Japanese abductee's family

Takuya Yokota (R), head of a group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, holds a press conference in Tokyo with his mother Sakie on Sept. 11, 2024. His sister, Megumi, was abducted by North Korea at age 13 in 1977 and is a symbol of Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang.