Background Information
North Korea is a country shrouded in mystery and secrecy, and has a troubled past with its political relationships with other nations. Japan is one of the countries that has experienced conflict with North Korea, in particular the “abduction” of Japanese citizens. Kidnappings is a concept related to North Korea, one that raises questions causes controversy around the world.
The first recorded abduction of Japanese citizens was in 1977, when Yokota Megumi, a 13 year old girl at the time, was kidnapped by North Korea. This event prompted Japan to begin researching the incidents and eventually in 2002, North Korea admitted to the kidnapping of 13 Japanese citizens.
Relevant Data
A number of Japanese citizens were reportedly kidnapped by North Korea during the Mid-1970s to the early 2000s. Some of the abducted were never seen or heard from again, whilst some were repatriated. According to Japanese official investigations and beyond, a total of 17 citizens were abducted, 5 of whom were shortly returned to Japan by North Korea, leaving the fate of the remaining 12 captives unknown.
Around the same period, a further 800 people were reportedly kidnapped by North Korea, although the exact reason for them being kidnapped is unknown. It is speculated that the abductees were brought to North Korea in order to increase their knowledge and use it to boost North Korea’s own agenda.
Perspectives From Experts
Perceived manipulations by North Korea are said to be the main factor in why these individuals were taken. Some experts say that the abducted people had potential to be trained and used as spies against Japan, as they assimilated North Korean ideology and customs due to their length of captivation.
Others suggest that the abductions provided North Korea with a powerful tool of deterrence, as Japanese citizens were forcefully “returned” back to Japan under unfamiliar conditions that would cause fear and submission from Japan, with the purpose of influencing their foreign policies.
Insights and Analysis
Considering the high degree of censorship and control of information in North Korea, and given the cases of other citizens around the world who were reported to have been “kidnapped” by North Korean government, it is hard to make a definitive statement about why Japanese citizens were abducted from their country.
It is possible that they were taken to teach North Korea’s military tactics, intelligence gathering, cyber warfare, technology and skills that may help North Korea to strengthen their military power. It is possible that they were taken to be trained to use dialect, customs and law enforcement of the state.
On the other hand, the abduction of Japanese citizens could simply be seen as a way of North Korea to continue its imperial expansion. The kidnappings of influential people, or those with access to a profession that North Korea is incapable of providing its population, could have been a way of forcing allegiance and expanding their power.
In Depth Analysis
Concerning Japan’s response to the abduction of its citizens, it is believed that not much was done at the initial stages, due to the fact that there was not sufficient evidence to support the notion that North Korea had done this for the purpose of espionage.
The Japanese authorities had no idea what had happened to these citizens and the media ignored it for years. This could be for various reasons such as international diplomacy, an attempt to save face or even a way of avoiding conflict. It is plausible that the Japanese government was showed evidence of kidnapping and was in negotiations with North Korea, trying to bring their citizens home safely.
Furthermore, the abduction of Japanese citizens could be interpreted as North Korea’s assertion of power. Since North Korea has often been the subject of criticism by Western governments and media outlets, it is likely that the abductions could have been a statement or retaliatory act to the continuous pressure that was placed on North Korea.
Economic Effects
The issues between North Korea and Japan have been long-standing, with the dispute over the abduction of citizens dating back to the 1970s. The effects of this can be profound, as it ultimately has an effect on the relationship between the two countries.
This in turn impacts their economic and cultural ties. For example, Japan has passed a number of laws and regulations concerning economic and cultural exchanges. This includes restrictions on exports to North Korea, and preventing economic investment from originating from North Korea.
This may have effects on the current state of Japanese who have experienced a stagnant economy for some time now. The economic sanctions increasingly impede economic exchanges, as the two countries become increasingly isolated from each other, leading to further economic damage for Japan.
Cultural Effects
The dispute around the abductions has had an effect on the cultural atmosphere, within Japan and North Korea. The people in Japan who have been bereaved of the unaccounted for abductees experience a fateful and profound sorrow that has raged on since their disappearances.
The social fabric of Japan is not adapted to the kind of mass abduction that took place. Japanese cultural values prioritize continuity, so the abduction of the citizens serves as a blow to their cultural identity. Similarly, North Korean society may be seen as fractured and not living up to the expectations of its people.
This foreign mass abduction of citizens that occurred in Japan serves as an uncomfortable reminder to all people of what may occur when parties are not on the same page.
International Pressure
The kidnapping issue has been further ignited by the involvement of the international arena, even though the matter is predominantly a dispute between North Korea and Japan. The United States, in the form of high-ranking officials and the President himself, has offered to assist Japan in the search and resolution of this issue.
Various countries have condemned North Korea for the abductions that took place, and placed high levels of economic sanctions upon it. International pressure is an attempt to gain cooperation from North Korea, as both countries engage in collaborative attempts to locate and repatriate any remaining abducted citizens.
Implications for the Future
Given the current state of affairs, it is uncertain what would happen in the future if any further incidents arose from the conflict. What is certain however is that the citizens of both countries will be affected.
It is possible that things for Japan may be complicated if the citizens may be subjected to forced labor if they are able to be repatriated. In North Korea, the government may be seen as unreliable and may endanger any citizens associated with Japan after engaging in contact.
Regardless of any attempts made, the consequences of the abductions will be felt long after any resolution is made. The long-lasting implications of what was done and what may continue to be done will remain present in the present and be foreboding of the future.
