5 abductees meet for 1st time since mid-Oct.

5 abductees meet for 1st time since mid-Oct.

NIIGATA, Japan - Five Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea in 1978 and now back in their homeland meet in Niigata on Dec. 18 for their first reunion since returning to their respective hometowns from Tokyo two months ago. Seated (from L to R) are Yasushi Chimura, Kaoru Hasuike, Yukiko Hasuike, Hitomi Soga and Fukie Chimura.

Economic package outline to be compiled in mid-Oct.

Economic package outline to be compiled in mid-Oct.

TOKYO, Japan - Heizo Takenaka, state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, speaks at a news conference at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo on Oct. 7 after a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Takenaka said the council will compile a basic outline of steps aimed at promoting the disposal of nonperforming loans and fighting deflation by mid-October.

5 abductees meet for 1st time since mid-Oct.

5 abductees meet for 1st time since mid-Oct.

NIIGATA, Japan - Five Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea in 1978 and now back in their homeland meet in Niigata on Dec. 18 for their first reunion since returning to their respective hometowns from Tokyo two months ago. Seated (from L to R) are Yasushi Chimura, Kaoru Hasuike, Yukiko Hasuike, Hitomi Soga and Fukie Chimura. (Kyodo)

Economic package outline to be compiled in mid-Oct.

Economic package outline to be compiled in mid-Oct.

TOKYO, Japan - Heizo Takenaka, state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, speaks at a news conference at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo on Oct. 7 after a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy. Takenaka said the council will compile a basic outline of steps aimed at promoting the disposal of nonperforming loans and fighting deflation by mid-October. (Kyodo)