Abductee's Mother Celebrates Daughter's Birthday
The mother of a Japanese woman who was abducted by North Korea 43 years ago is celebrating her daughter's birthday, wishing for her return.
Yokota Megumi was snatched in 1977 on her way home from junior high school. She was 13 years old.
Monday is her 56th birthday. Her parents had celebrated her birthday every year, but her father died in June.
Her mother, Sakie, told reporters that her family used to enjoy a big dinner on Megumi's birthday before she was taken.
She said that she and her two sons fondly remember the meals they had together.
She said that after Megumi was gone, she and her husband used to prepare a small piece of cake and coffee for their daughter on her birthday. She added that she is missing her husband this year.
Sakie said she wonders how Megumi is spending her birthday and which part of North Korea her daughter is in. She said that being unable to rescue Megumi deeply frustrates her.
She said she feels like she is walking in the dark every day. But she added she sees a glimmer of hope this year, now that Japan has a new prime minister.
Sakie said she will speak to pictures of her daughter and husband, telling them she will rescue Megumi no matter what.
