Tottori Preparing for Possible Abductee Return from N. Korea

June 12, 2018

Tottori- The Tottori prefectural government is moving forward with preparations for the possible return of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea after the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit on Tuesday.

Hopes for the possible return of Japanese abductees, including Kyoko Matsumoto, who was kidnapped from Yonago, her hometown in the western Japan prefecture, in 1977 at the age of 29, are mounting in Japan after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to bring up the issue of Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese citizens at the closely watched summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore.

The Tottori government plans to draw up as early as this month initial procedures to be implemented between a possible decision of her return and her actual arrival, and is considering support measures after her return home.

A draft of the procedures, decided last month at a meeting of officials from the Tottori government and Yonago city governments, as well as Tottori police, sets out detailed roles for each organization.

The draft also covers transport for Matsumoto and others, confirming health status and administrative procedures for national health insurance.

After her possible return, counselors are expected to help Matsumoto and her family adapt to life in Japan in line with a support program.

A welcome party by her classmates and other opportunities to rebuild friendships will also be discussed.

Financially, the Tottori government plans a grant of 300,000 yen, on top of benefits from the central government.

The Tottori government is considering giving priority treatment for Matsumoto in public housing and reduced rent. With the Yonago city government, it is also looking at hiring her as a nonregular staff member if she wants this.

With members of Matsumoto's family possibly moving to Japan with her, the Tottori government is discussing hiring interpreters, Japanese language instruction and schooling assistance.

"The most important thing is to help Matsumoto and her family live in peace," an official of the Tottori government said.

"For that to happen, we hope to give support that meets their wishes by carrying out initial procedures smoothly," the official said. Jiji Press