Kidnapped Japanese to return, briefly

Five Japanese abducted decades ago by North Korean spies will be allowed to return home briefly next week.

They are among at least 13 Japanese kidnapped by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 1980s and taken to the secretive communist country to train spies in Japanese language and culture. They are the only ones known to be alive.

After denying any role in the matter for years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il last month admitted the Japanese were kidnapped by “elements in the military”.

The five are expected back in Japan for a short visit next Tuesday. Shoichi Nakagawa, head of a politicians’ group supporting the relatives of the abductees, said they will probably stay for one or two weeks.

After being taken to the North, the survivors married and are said to have children. But local reports said the children of the abductees would not be allowed to return with them.

That angered some of the survivors’ families.

“They should come back with the entire family. Leaving behind the kids – my grandchildren – is like leaving behind hostages,” said Tamotsu Chimura, father of Yasushi Chimura, who was abducted in July 1978.

Kim’s admission opened the way for the two countries to restart talks to normalise diplomatic relations, and officials from both sides are expected to meet later this month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.