Japan to Return Fake Remains to North Korea on December 24

The Japanese government is looking into returning the remains of Megumi Yokota, a Japanese abducted by North Korea, on December 24.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda stated during a press interview on December 20, “We will announce the government’s official stance on the issue after analyzing the materials sent by North Korea,” adding that the return of the remains is on the agenda.

Hosoda stated, “The Japanese government plans to explain precisely the reasons for our decision, as it has officially announced that the bones are not Yokota’s remains, otherwise North Korea will not accept our statement,” emphasizing that the results of the analysis will be announced to North Korea.

Won-Jae Park parkwj@donga.com