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N Korea says Japan must adapt to join diplomatic fray

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HalwickMay 7  04:31 pm JST

"N Korea says Japan must adapt to join diplomatic fray"

Adapt to what? Adapt to DPRK rules of "diplomacy?" Perhaps best for Japan to stay out of the fray. 

Perhaps, but Japan won't. Abe is desperate to wow us all with his international statesmanship so we all forget about the domestic scandals. Never mind that he's really not that much of an international statesman after all.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Very cool for people here to be on the side of North Korea than the country they choose to live in.

What makes you think they live in Japan?

What makes you think they are paid?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Huh. Looks like the distance between ROK, Japan and the US has increased recently. I wonder if that is by design or happenstance...?

Gee, I wonder if this latest comment by Kim has anything to do with all that?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Kim could not get the nukes to work so he has nothing under his sleeves to bluff anymore. Hence his sudden turnaround. Now he talks like he's the star of the show.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Such big words... for a communist murderer !!!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

The Government of Japan have repeatedly requested that Pyongyang just comply with all the U.N. Security Council resolutions no more no less.

Pyongyang response has been to continue to test and launch intercontinental ballistic missiles and to carry out a series underground nuclear detonations.

Its Ironical, could be the context and realisation of de-nuclearisation is a politically shrewd manipulative distraction, akin to a game of Chinese whispers.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

So the moral of Kimmy’s speech was that if Japan doesnt change its ways...it will never set foot in the republic??

Thats a little self centered Kim, most people are not dying to get in, they are murdered trying to escape.

Also interesting to see the usual haters hating on Japan, Abe, and even agreeing with Kim since its easy to sit around spewing.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Kim's regime is horrible, that much is absolutely true.

But how Much of that blame is Solely on Kim Jong-Un? We've got no idea what's going on inside North Korea.

What we do know is that Kim took over as a greenhead, young and inexperienced. He had to seize power from some very powerful men, and he also has to keep other powerful men on his side.

The North Korean regime have generals that's been around since the early Jong-Il days, men, some of at least, are probably way way worse than Kim.

I won't judge kim for the state North Korea is in, as he wasn't even born when this started. I will blame him to a degree for the continuation, and especially for the murder of his brother. Then again, how much come from him Directly and how much is pressure to keep his leadership strong?

One thing I know is that Kim has loosened some rules, even if it isn't much, its more than his father ever did, he's allowed more choices of clothes, pop groups to be made, and loosened a bit on what the citizens can and can't do.

And if he's true about opening up North Korea and what to progress, one thing at a time. The peoples lives there will inevitably get better if North Korea opens up to trade and South Korea.

I doubt Kim will ever rid himself of all his nuclear weapons, but I also don't think the man is stupid enough to just fire nukes blindly everywhere. Much like Russia, threats , but that's what it seems to be.

For now at least, give Kim a chance and see how this plays out. If he keeps his word and peace will develop, either way you look at it, keeping Kim in power is a much better option than potentially letting one of his old ultra brainwashed generals snag the power.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

 the leadership of a democratic country 

LOL, democratic? You must be new.

As far as Iran's concerned, besides Trump's weird fixation on wreaking Obama's progress, other reason to bring democracy there is they recently dumped the dollar for euro. Hang onto your breeches.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

the barking chihuahua (Japan) must be silent!

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Don't know about you, but I don't blindly support politicians' poor diplomacy and shady back-room deals just because I live in the same country as them.

Never said I was a supporter of Abe. I can tell you though that I am not a supporter of any opinion from the Kim Jong Un regime and nothing you say will sway me that direction. I honestly would love to know what intrigues you about Kim Jong Un. Do tell!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Bush Blair Kisenger are all good mass murderers in your opinion then?

Comparing Kim with either of these three just kind of makes my point about the level of the Japantoday's commenters. You can't really imagine how it is to live in N. Korea, can you? That's why you allow yourself such absurd outputs.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

N Korea says Japan must adapt to join diplomatic fray

Adapt to what? Adapt to DPRK rules of "diplomacy?" Perhaps best for Japan to stay out of the fray. Trump knows how to handle this kind of game and won't hesitate to call a spade a spade.

What it (Japan) has to remember is that it can never evade the fate of the left-out person if it behaves disgusting..... 

What is disgusting is the DPRK's behavior of violating human rights, starving and brutally murdering its own people. How can anyone condone Kim's ruthless murder of his own brother and uncle? If Kim and the DPRK regime continues to behave in this manner, it deserves to suffer the fate of being left out and isolated.

It said the Japanese government was resorting to "flattering the American master, neighboring big powers and even the south Korean authorities,

And Kim didn't flatter and charm its Chinese PRC master Xi during his recent visit to China? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

While Kim may have impressed the international community as astute, mature, confident and willing to compromise, let's not forget Kim is a calculating chameleon, who has proved himself a ruthless and skillful dictator ruling his country with an iron fist .

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Hang on! Wait a minute, when did North Korea suddenly become the expert in international diplomacy! One carefully staged photo op and a clock change wont hide the fact that this is a terrible regime that cares nothing for its neighbours or the rules of law. Moon and the South may be fooled but we've been here before, don't trust a wolf in Sheep's clothing, this is not "Peace in out Time". If unification happens don't think for one minute that the North will roll over to let the South impose its own ideals.

Abe should continue to be cautious, and rightfully so, any development is indeed good news, but tread carefully here and don't be bullied into a position or corner that you cant get out of!

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Bush Blair Kisenger are all good mass murderers in your opinion then?

Bush was fighting 'God's War' apparently. So, I guess he's a good one...

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

DaDude: "Very cool for people here to be on the side of North Korea than the country they choose to live in."

There's a difference between agreeing with a point someone makes, and "being on the side" of a nation, and your implication that we should automatically "be on the Japan-side" because we live here, ironically, makes you like NK. So, well done! Sadly, for you, the "with us or against us" crap that never worked to begin with doesn't fly in this or any other case.

You guys are so busy being angry at the messenger you've completely overlooked the message, which is, once again, correct. I think maybe you guys KNOW it's correct and that's what irks you even more; that Kim is not only stage front and getting what he wants, while Abe has to dig around for other enemies to make, but that he has outsmarted Abe as well. Ouch! It's not pretty, but it is true. That in no way means anyone objective enough to point out the fact that it's true is "siding with the enemy" or some similar BS you guys deflect with.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

Based on a lot of the comments so far, it's apparent not a lot of people seem to know what this newspaper was trying to say, either.

Abe has shown a willingness to open dialogue with North Korea, and North Korea in turn has been receptive.

But then its media comes up with a sudden head scratcher like this one where no one knows what they are trying to say about Japan, no one has any idea what North Korea is criticizing Japan for. Like much of what comes out of North Korea, it's a confusing mumbo jumbo mess that seems to have no basis in reality.

Why must Japan adapt, and most importantly, how are they supposed to adapt to appease whatever is upsetting this North Korean media outlet?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

@ebisenToday  01:14 pm JST

Being lectured by a mass murderer, and people applaud. I'm somehow not surprised by the vast majority of the comments here, it goes along with the observed level of Japantoday's consumers.

Bush Blair Kisenger are all good mass murderers in your opinion then?

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

has nukes on US bases,

Huh? Are you saying that Japan has nuclear missiles on US bases, or are you talking nuclear vessels?

In my best Checkov voice "Excuse me sir, can you direct me to the navel base in Alamita. It's where they keep the nuclear wessels?"

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If trump tears up the Iran deal, the NK deal will be finished

That's an interesting point. It may become hard to convince NK to make a deal if they see the US reneging on a deal with a different country they made just a few years ago.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If trump tears up the Iran deal, the NK deal will be finished, especially after what happened in Libya

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Kim Jong Un is very clever - he knows Japan is infamous for having no intention or desire to adapt, has nukes on US bases, has abysmal human rights record, he can bring up the hypocrisy of the alleged abductions issue and alway say they never occurred on his watch and Japan will be stuck because they're all true. Checkmate.

Much like Japan can and does with the comfort women issue and other war atrocities... Make your bed and sleep in it.

As many have mentioned here, (true) diplomacy is the only way to clear this up. But we all know Abe won't rest until he gets his 'war' (read: until Abe and his friends get their money). So, those who are against peace should fear not. We are in a sick age where the far right, once again, get to dictate what goes on in the world...

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

Being lectured by a mass murderer, and people applaud. I'm somehow not surprised by the vast majority of the comments here, it goes along with the observed level of Japantoday's consumers.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Unclear meaning indeed of NK statement.

About KJU, factually :

he is the leader of a country who possessesthe nuclear bomb although the masters (club of 5) did not give any formal agreement to that (like israel)

he was not the decision maner when abductees were taken, as he was a kid.

we learn about that man only through what media wants us to read and see

I want to see what he is willing to make as efforts. What I saw on TV was a man shaking happily hands with his SK president over war border. It never happened before.

I heard a meeting with Trump was scheduled, first time ever with American president if so.

Give peace a chance !

Retribution or retaliation after if lies were the strategy. It does not seem to me so far factually. In a month or two we will know.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Kim Jong Un is very clever - he knows Japan is infamous for having no intention or desire to adapt, has nukes on US bases, has abysmal human rights record, he can bring up the hypocrisy of the alleged abductions issue and alway say they never occurred on his watch and Japan will be stuck because they're all true. Checkmate.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

Abe has to realize that this is an opportunity once in hundred years, if not in thousand of years. If Abe misses or destroys the opportunity, he will be despised by all Asians, if not the world. At this point, Abe still has a chance to be involved in the process: as a banker.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Say what you will about KJU, but he knows how to manipulate and take advantage of situations that could be potentially beneficial for him.

And who in their right mind would want to test an unpredictable individual who might have nukes and the nads to used them.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Honestly speaking, Abe govt has to "drop its inveterate repugnancy and bad habit". There is no other choices.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Naive.... yes, again, Naive. Naive are those that fall for NK's posture's for peace!!! Believe me... I want very badly to believe it will all end here and that Peace and Prosperity will abound. I do! But how many times has NK put forth the Olive Branch only to snatch it away. Again... I want to believe them, but I've been hurt before... "once bitten twice shy". Look... do not deride those that have doubt because we've been in your shoes. We were young and hopeful 20 and 30 years ago only to have our "naive" hopes dashed. He crossed into South Korea... unprecedented... but think. What will make bot China and the USA happy when it comes to the Korean penninsula overall? Yes, that is complicated. It is not just about NK and SK, its about the two powers that have supported them for over 60 years too. Add to the Russia and Japan.... there are a lot of players in this... and it will take a lot of Diplomacy and time to really make it work.... not the quick saucy words of a naive Kim Jun Un.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

flattering the American master, neighboring big powers and even the south Korean authorities, but it will never step on the sacred land of the Republic unless it drops its inveterate repugnancy and bad habit.

I’m convinced these people have watched Monty Python’s Holy Grail and are trying to imitate the insults.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

It said the Japanese government was resorting to "flattering the American master..."

Just shows that even a broken clock tells the right time twice a day.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

That was insulting to the Japanese Government and now you have seen the face of real N. Korean demon again. The dog tail will never straight on its own and even if you try to straight dog tail and then it will be only temporary. I don't trust N. Korean fatty kid and his Government. He murdered his own half brother in crowded Air Port in the daylight. He ruthlessly murdered his uncle.

The N. Korean defector former deputy Ambassador to UK was right about analyzing fatty kid Kim Jong-UN. Kim Jong-UN will never give up his nuclear weapons and ICBM project. The nuclear weapons and ICBM project will go underground if he agreed on denuclearize Korean Peninsula. He will blame the US President for unsuccessful denuclearisation on Korean Peninsula if he didn't get what he want from the United State. N. Korea leader KIm Jong-un has changed his tune because of sanction is working and cutting off the oil and materials supply to N. Korea.

Japanese Government should make mother of all mother Bomb if Japan does not want to make Nuclear bomb. The American have 30,000lb bunker buster. Japan should make 5,0000lb bomb for N. Korea. Japanese Government mus have a secret weapon program to protect country and its citizen.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Burton# we’ll put.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

History shows you that when NK is desperate for food and aid they do these kind of maneuvers. After they receive some aid and money they will go back to their old ways.

That's my fear.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Japanese politicians adapting? Ha. In their bubble all is well. Everyone will follow their lead. Whoopsies not this time.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

History shows you that when NK is desperate for food and aid they do these kind of maneuvers. After they receive some aid and money they will go back to their old ways.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

And while the rest of the world was focusing on North Korean developments, the Chinese moved anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles onto the man-made islands in the South China Sea.

Nice pass fake by the Chicoms and Noko.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

I read the posts from some of you. They are interesting, however none of us really know everything about what is truly going on.

North Korea is a horrible place, the people in North Korea have no food or comfortable places to live. Their 'leader' is a true dictator capable of anything. We all need to remember that. Thousands of North Korean citizens are in prison camps living miserable lives.

Japan though is a nice place comfortable place to live. Mr. Kim's desire to use Japan has been something his country has been trying to do for a long time. Japan needs to pay close attention to North Korea. North Korea came to Japan and stole Japanese people in the past, remember that. I would imagine that anything is possible again from North Korea. I hope that Mr. Abe and his people can keep Japan safe. There really is little any of us can do for North Korea.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

DaDudeToday 10:12 am JST

Very cool for people here to be on the side of North Korea than the country they choose to live in.

Don't know about you, but I don't blindly support politicians' poor diplomacy and shady back-room deals just because I live in the same country as them.

Where respects are due, I pay them regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion etc etc. Blind allegiance has brought man-kind a lot of suffering in the past...

3 ( +8 / -5 )

NK is all about pretence and leading everybody on to get what they want. Sanctions are starting to hurt which is what has brought them to this point to get everyone to ease off the sanctions.

Of course they hurt. They are designed to. They are unfair and end up hurting the people. When sanctions were placed on the Japan, it wasn't long before they declared all out war as they were backed into a corner.

Luckily NK has stood it's ground against it all with a bit more tact over the last few decades. The world doesn't want to see another small nation bullied, badgered and bombed just so we can keep lining the pockets of the 'one percenters' and war-mongers.

Trump and Abe have lost the PR war. It's time to treat NK with dignity at the table and actually negotiate instead of bleating demands and bullying.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I think KJU understands his neighbours (& the political context) better than they understand him. Nothing wrong with telling the truth i.e. Japan's been usa's puppet for too long and that they should drop the imperialistic attitude if they want peace in the region.

Imo Abe should stop the 'am in complete agreement with Trump' bs rhetoric and speak 'on his own behalf' & directly to KJU. Start with a clean slate, tell him 'fine, i'll treat you as an equal if you do the same. Now what happened to the abductees?' Admit your wrongdoings, ask him to do the same and try to fix what's fixable.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

@Matt Hartwell

It certainly is a game of concessions and it's a game that's already been played a few times before. Unfortunately, it usually ends up with N. Korea taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back while gaining some kind of benefit.

At the same time, hopefully it is indeed peace in our time, but based on previous N. Korea's previous behavior and broken promises it's difficult to be very optimistic.

What might N. Korea like more than anything? To receive the respect it has sought on the world stage by having a U.S. president come to the Korean peninsula to meet with a N. Korean leader, remove U.S. troops from the peninsula and to basically pay them off. In exchange, N. Korea will stop its nuclear development (as they have promised before) while keeping its nuclear missiles.

South Korea's leader, Moon, would probably say, "Hot dog! It's a deal!" And Trump? Who knows? He just might be dumb enough to go along with it.

It should also be pointed out that from the Japanese side it's not only about a nuclear free Korean peninsula, but also a resolution concerning all of the Japanese citizens who have been snatched and kidnapped from Japan by N. Korea. This is not one of the issues N. Korea wants to discuss.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Very cool for people here to be on the side of North Korea than the country they choose to live in.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

It said the Japanese government was resorting to "flattering the American master, neighboring big powers and even the south Korean authorities, but it will never step on the sacred land of the Republic unless it drops its inveterate repugnancy and bad habit."

Could someone please explain to me what this newspaper is trying to say, exactly?

While some here are quick to make judgments, anyone with some sense that actually reads the newspaper quote would be left scratching their heads just like I am.

What exactly is the "inveterate repugnancy and bad habit" that Japan is engaging in? "Flattering the American master?" How so? Isn't America the one that is now going to meet with North Korea to discuss diplomacy? In that case, isn't following the lead of America a good thing? And why is it a bad thing to flatter South Korean authorities?

Someone out there, please lend a helping hand here.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

I don't think anyone in their right mind agrees with the regime in general, but once in a while they are correct on things (like they are with Trump), and are bang on here. The knee-jerk reaction crowd can rail and shout "Who are they to say so?" all they want, but they are in the midst of the limelight on international talks, and Japan has fretted for months about "being left out" and have had to ask third-parties for help. Kim is correct. If Japan wants in, they have to adapt, and that is something they are not going to like to hear, nor are they going to react well do, in words or in actions.

-4 ( +9 / -13 )

Here we go again. NK demanding changes already because they smiled, shook hands and hugged. Nothing else has changed yet. The message was clear from the beginning... "When the president says that he will not make the mistakes of the past, that means the U.S. will not be making substantial concessions, such as lifting sanctions, until North Korea has substantially dismantled its nuclear programs,” a senior Trump administration official said Sunday. “If North Korea is willing to move quickly to denuclearize, then the sky is the limit. All sorts of good things can happen,” the official added. Japan also has the same views. Keep the pressure on. Now is NOT the time to be all lovey-dovey.

6 ( +9 / -3 )

I am confident PM Abe and Kim-San will smooth things over in their Summit. NK realizes Japan will be future major investor, to modernise the Nation. Return the kidnapped Japanese from imprisonmnet, no more nuclear threat, then Japan will do business.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

NK is all about pretence and leading everybody on to get what they want. Sanctions are starting to hurt which is what has brought them to this point to get everyone to ease off the sanctions. Once they re-organise or have enough to bring their nuclear ambitions to the next level they will return to their threats and shield bashing. This type of tactic has been used continuously by NK going back to the first Kim and the world falls for it every single time (except Japan it seems). NK needs to be toppled from within. The world needs to keep up maximum sanctions even while these talks are in progress with no respite. Anything less will be simply playing into their hands and allowing them to further their nuclear capability putting the rest of the world at more risk. NK in its current political framework cannot survive integration or becoming a country with normalised relationships with the rest of the world. They can only survive by being a nuclear threat. How on earth are these talks going to end with anything other than the North Koreans scuttling back under their stone and snapping their claws at anyone who passes by. Honestly, you don’t have to be a political expert with a degree to work this one out!

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Well Kim possibly has nukes or at least the resources to obtain and deploy them...Japan is in the immediate line of fire if things escalate between NK and the US depending on the outcome of this “fat men summit “

so it would benefit Japan if they at least made an attempt to communicate with their neighbor rather than keeping their hardened stance, but Abe will be abe.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

Kimmy boy is reinventing himself and becoming quite a likeable chap.

Not sure about likeable but he's clearly upped diplomacy skills. Could be Chinese influence, or closer to home, his sister's advice.

If there are abductees left alive and if Abe really cares about them, he'd do well to listen to our neighbours concerns.

Everyone involved needs to adapt.

2 ( +10 / -8 )

Abe has said repeatedly that solving the abductee issue is his top priority, but he has done absolutely nothing at all. That's probably because it suits Abe not to have the issue resolved, allowing him to rant and rave about the threat from North Korea and to push his militaristic agenda.

Now Trump sets up a meeting with Kim and Abe is suddenly keen to get involved too. Tubby despot Kim is right when he says Japan (Abe) is just following the US (Trump) lead.

1 ( +11 / -10 )

Kimmy boy is reinventing himself and becoming quite a likeable chap.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

Japan will be discussing the abduction issue at at different room of the negotiation table and Abe will be there. Including the nukes of North Korea, China knows everything about the future of North Korea. The sudden change of Kim happened after he visited China in March. Everything was decided there. China knows everything what will happen at the meeting.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Occasionally the DPRK machine gets it right. This is an example.

Doesn't mean you have to like any of the actual players involved, of course.

-1 ( +11 / -12 )

Well he hit the nail right on the head!

-2 ( +14 / -16 )

He's completely right, of course.

Anybody can shut their ears and shout.

Japan needs leaders who can listen and negotiate too.

5 ( +19 / -14 )

Best to stay out of it, let our master «USA» handle it. Including the abductions and such, as we agreed on.

This is what Japan has been doing ever since Abe taking office. Buying more American made military equipment and hope for the best in terms of tariffs and trade.

Koizumi Junichiro went to North Korea himself, met Kim Jong Il, and in the end settled the return of 5 abductees from NK. Kim Jong Un has finally expressed his willingness to hold talks with Abe on this issue. Be a man for god’s sake, and stop being the puppet of USA, Abe! Can’t you do more for your country? Just as you ask your own people to do more for Japan with regard to Article 9 etc!

Considering Japan has not yet payed a single Korean Won in war repariations to North Korea, I think North Korea is ready for the Grand Prize!

-8 ( +7 / -15 )

Ricky KaminskiToday 07:14 am JST

And why should we be lectured by a murderous dictator that holds his own people down and forces them to grovel to him like a sick dog?

Dunno. Because Abe is suddenly very keen to have a summit with him, maybe? Part of being diplomatic means that you kind of need to listen to what the other side is saying.

Japan maybe a bit awkward in adapting to a fast past and ever changing world but Kim and his cohorts are beyond reprehensible.

So Japan should stay on the moral high ground and have absolutely nothing to do with these negotiations? I mean... "beyond reprehensible" is the way I would describe the Nazis, and who in this day and age would negotiate with the Nazis? Yet Japan seems to want a bit of the action no matter how vile Kim and his cohorts are.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

Does anybody really believe that North Korea is going to throw away all of its nukes?

Most of the Japanese I've spoken to are asking that same question.

I would not be surprised if its a game designed to win concessions. That is straight from the North Korean playbook. Doesn't mean we should give up hope either, just means we should approach the whole thing with a mindset that leans cynical but hopeful lol.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

OssanAmericaToday 07:17 am JST

Japan doesn't stand to gain anything other than North Korea perhaps confirming that the abductees are long dead. Seriously who really believes they are alive and will return, when North Korea could have used them as bargaining chips a decade ago.

Shinzo Abe, apparently. Didn't he say his mission would not be over until the abductees could hug their relatives?

7 ( +15 / -8 )

Does anybody really believe that North Korea is going to throw away all of its nukes?

Most of the Japanese I've spoken to are asking that same question.

20 ( +23 / -3 )

Who the hell are they to tell Japan to act a certain way....? The audacity of these idiots is beyond belief. Obviously they're trying to tick Japan off enough so they'll make a Diplomatic error and get a reaction somewhat like mine. The proper reaction from Japan should be. "We're just waiting to see how sincere Kim Jun Un is and will accordingly react in due time. One cannot undo over 60 years of hostilities in just 2 short months. In addition, this is not a simple matter, many, many things need to be addressed before real peace and trust can be made."

4 ( +19 / -15 )

Left out of what exactly? Japan is not located on the Korean Peninsula and really isn't affected whether North and South Korea sign a peace treaty or not. Japan doesn't stand to gain anything other than North Korea perhaps confirming that the abductees are long dead. Seriously who really believes they are alive and will return, when North Korea could have used them as bargaining chips a decade ago. North Korea's childish arguments are representative of many posted here. Sanctions must be kept in full force until North Korea denuclearizes in a verifiable manner.

14 ( +24 / -10 )

And why should we be lectured by a murderous dictator that holds his own people down and forces them to grovel to him like a sick dog? Japan maybe a bit awkward in adapting to a fast past and ever changing world but Kim and his cohorts are beyond reprehensible.

21 ( +31 / -10 )

After the war, Japan could not play any important role in foreign affairs. No room of own diplomacy for a country which depends the defense of the country to a foreign military. Our foreign ministry is a foreign aid department of the government and the diplomats were interpreters who can speak English a little better than general public. Our politicians are incompetent in foreign affairs. They are not intelligent enough to understand what is happening in the world. They lack philosophy.

20 ( +27 / -7 )

Here’s a chance for Abe San to win the Nobel Peace Prize!

-11 ( +9 / -20 )

Spot on. The script was re-written ages ago. Without mutual respect devoid of colonial mindsets, prepare for anarchy.

-2 ( +16 / -18 )

It said the Japanese government was resorting to "flattering the American master, neighboring big powers and even the south Korean authorities, but it will never step on the sacred land of the Republic unless it drops its inveterate repugnancy and bad habit."

Ouch,....sounds like they are pushing buttons here, and Abe has to hate hearing this out loud.

6 ( +23 / -17 )

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