Relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea have called on the government to step up efforts to get all the victims back as soon as possible.
They made the appeal on Saturday at a government-sponsored symposium in Tokyo that coincided with a week-long campaign to raise awareness about human rights abuses in North Korea.
The Japanese government appears intent on collaborating with an incoming US administration to jointly lead efforts to bolster international cooperation.
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide tweeted a congratulatory message to US Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on their projected victory in the US presidential election.
The new leader of Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party says he will choose reform-minded people for party executives and cabinet ministers.
Suga Yoshihide spoke to reporters on Monday after being elected as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party. He is expected to be chosen as prime minister in Diet elections on Wednesday.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stressed the government's commitment to contain the spread of the new coronavirus and prevent patients from developing serious symptoms through the emergency plan announced on Thursday.
The package aims to step up cooperation with local municipalities, and increase the capability of virus tests and treatment.