Talkback
Do you think the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korean spies will ever be completely resolved? Why or why not? Share your response and your reactions to ABDUCTION: The Megumi Yokota Story.
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It is amazing that the North Korean government does not send along a dna sample of the Yokata's "grandaughter" this could verify the claim and this would solve the question of possibly contaminated remains dna. I don't know exactly how that would work, but it would have to be some form of sample that one could be sure was not from themselves or their other descendants (ie not obtained by deception/spies to falsely present proof) if hair dna works then perhaps a long hair from the girl would show that it is not from one of the others. If the girl really is their grandaughter then I would hope that some day they will come together, as she is part of Megumi and of themselves,and is part of a hope for the future wherein love can triumph. If she is not their grandaughter then that truth will be known. The film and the courageous, epically devoted parents will not be forgotten and teaches us by example how powerful is the human spirit.
This story has left a huge impact on me. But if I remember correctly the last date given was 2004. What has happened since? Is there anywhere to find this out? Independent lens mentioned at the end of the show to go to this website for updates of the families but I can't find anything...
I really hope she comes home....
Editors note:
Filmmaker Chris Sheridan provided updates in May 2008 on what Megumi'sparents have been doing since filming ended.
Megumi’s parents are well into their 70s. They are aging quickly and find it hard to attend some of the events that support their cause. They continue the fight, however, relying more and more on their dutiful twin boys who carry the torch for them. Mrs. Yokota still prays every night for Megumi’s return.
This was an amazing story. I felt terrible after watching it. North Korea needs to change their ways. I don't get why other azian countries hate Japan for something that happened like in WWII. This is the present and Japan changed for the better just like Germany. I pray that the hostages will come back safetly and alive.
Loved it
I agree that the North Korean's actions were not justified. However, I agree with Steve's comment that Japan should take actions to admit their actions during WWII. For example, Japan has not admitted that it used local women as prostitutes in WWII. I spent a year in South Korea and it was very clear that Japan's actions during WWII created resentment by the Koreans. The Japaneese lady that stood up in the meeting near the end of the film said that here friends told here that Japan did similar things. I would say similar, sometimes worse.
I think it's an awe-inspiring film capturing the love of 2 parents for their child. Their relentless passion to find justice for their only daughter is moving. The background of Japan and North Korea is definitely there but you can place this powerful love of parent and child in any place and time - and it will exist. This never changes.
I have just finished watching The Megumi Yokota production and had to write to express my view.
Patty Kim & Chris Sheridan & company made one of the most remarkable films I have ever seen. It was simply a work of art. My heart goes out to the families of those who were abducted. I knew of the abductions but never realized how much pressure they put on their government. My eyes are still red. Terrific work.
What a sad and tragic story. The courage of Megumi's parents is inspiring. Let us hope that they will obtain the truth and finally find the closure they deserve. My thoughts and prayers go out to them.
I saw this moving film this evening (July 6, 2008). I'm quite confident that the government of North Korea has detailed records of Megumi's life, but given the vast gulf between that society and the nations of Japan and the United States, I doubt that the truth will ultimately be revealed. The dignity demonstrated by Megumi's parents while consistently challenging authority was inspiring, despite the extreme sadness of this situation.
This documentary had a profound impact on me. It has saddened and angered me. After living 69 years and seen just about everything, this story blew my mind. I'll never forget the young lady and I hope that she is at peace, wherever she is.
Although the Megumi Yokota story is truly tragic, it is a microcosm of the thousands of kidnappings of Korean women carried out by the Japanese government earlier in the past century. Political kidnapping is always an act of terrorism carried out by cowards preying upon the weak in the name of countries or causes run by cowardly despots. In Megumi's case, the orders to abduct came direct from the hermit that ran the kingdom. Unfortunately, she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But who would have thought that walking home after badminton practice....?
I watched, and thought how much these families suffered and waited for all those years. Horrible things happen every day somewhere. Insanity has worked its way everywhere in this world. Why? My heart goes out to all of the people who had to endure all of this for so long, there are no words to comfort them. Thank you to PBS for airing these things to alert us to what is going on in this world of ours. I pray for their hearts to heal and may they be at peace.
Who knows, ALL Governments are corrupt in there own way. How do we know we haven't done that to other countries.
I was completely drawn in by the story about the abductees. I couldn't turn away from the TV. I couldn't even bear to think about what it would be like to experience what these families have gone through and still go through day after day. The burden of knowing that the truth is being withheld. Your heart pleading - please, please, please- for someone who knows to tell you the honest truth. Isn't there one decent human being in North Korea that knows and can get the truth to the families? I pray it will happen and happen soon.
Thank you for making this film and for telling this story. I was moved.
I do not think this issue can be resolved because the NK has been skillful untrustworthy negotiator with the rest of the world by partially gives in, and the rest of us would need to deal with unanswered problems – just like they returned some abductees and perhaps kept some. Recently the U.S. government announced that NK will be taken off from the list of terrorist countries and there were outcries from the families in Japan. The Japanese government thinks they would need to go along with the U.S. so the negotiation for nuclear power can continue. I urge you to write to your political representatives that NK has not changed, and the Japanese and probably other nations’ hostage problem remains.
I do not think this issue will be resolved because the NK has been untrustworthy negotiators with the worlk by partially answers the questions, but the rest of us would need to deel with unanswered problems, just like they returned some abductees but perhaps kept some. The U.S. goverment annouced that NK will be taken off from terrorist countries and there were outcries from the families in Japan. Howeve the Japanese government thinks they would need to go along with the U.S. so the negotiation for nuclear power can continue. Please write to your political representatives that NK has not changed.
Why do we not see these programs on the commercial channels? I feel so sad, I voluntarily came to a strange country and the loss I felt, the fear at the unfamiliar was unbearable at times and I was twenty years old. What must this young girl have gone through. Apparently she survived long enough to have a child. One day maybe the truth will be known about all the abductees and there may be some peace for the families. I found the parents of Megumi to be remarkable. They maintained their relationship with such respect for each other and love for her, it is beyond my comprehension or level of courage. I am so sorry for all the families and wish all of them peace. I am overwhelmed with the cruelty of us as human beings and do not know how I can change anything at all. It is disheartening. I feel very sad.
I do not mean to offend anyone but in my ignorance of the Japanese people I have a stereotype that they are rather formal and not emotional, especially the men. It was so wonderful to see all the emotions displayed. I have learned so much watching this program.
I wish the dictator died and the North Korean people opened their world and their hearts and gave these families the truth they deserve and unite any families that may still exist in North Korea such as Megumi's child and her Japanese grandparents. Only time will tell. I can only hope for the future.
One way to resolve this issue might be to put together a reward fund, publicize it in the north,(radio, etc.) and offer it to anyone who defects with solid information of Megumi`s present status.Also get any info from those returned,promising to keep it private.If it seems she is still living,try to work out a trade,perhaps N. Korean spies captured by S. Korea.Even if she wanted to stay with her family in Korea, I`m sure she would want to see her parents and brothers.
I feel absolutley blown away by Megumi's parents. They are unbelievable examples to this world of love, passion and committment. Wow. I hope and pray to God that they have peace. They deserve nothing less than that.
I've been following this for years. Beware of what Ang Mion Jing(spelling?), the ex-NK spy says. He may know something but not whole. It's quite often groundless, and contradicting to what he has said before. He's making money by telling such story in front of camera. Later the guy was arrested for drug trafficking.
Japan has done some dastardly things to the Chinese and Koreans in the past. If the Japanese government cannot officially acknowledge and apologize to the Chinese and Koreans, how do they expect the North Koreans to come forth truthfully about these abductions?
I do not condone the actions of the North Korean government and I am horrified learning of the abductions. But it will not stop unless the nations of the world forces North Korea to come clean on this issue. But since China and Russia are allies of North Korea, nothing will happen.
My heart cries for the victims parents - especially that one mother who appeared to be a stroke victim and who died a few years ago. She was calling out to her son who did not return. That wills tay in my mind forever. I silently wept for that woman. May God bless her and the rest of the victim's families.
I really enjoyed the film. Coincidentally I had recently read the new book by Charles Jenkins, the ex-GI who had defected to N. Korea and eventually married on the women who was abducted, Ms Soga.
Jenkins is now living in Japan with his wife and their two daughters. The story of his experiences over a 30 year period is both Kafkaesque and terrifying. But it is also an example of the strength of the human spirit. I believe Jenkins has stated recently that he had known Megumi Yokota in N. Korea. I am undecided whether she is still alive or not. But the nature of the N. Korean government makes me believe that it is not telling us the truth about Ms Yokota.
Thanks the directors of Abduction...they have done a marvelous job.
is she dead or not? this is a great one i love it but sad 2 =(
This broke my heart. I have a strong feeling Megumi is still alive. Why would North Korea not let the parents talk to their granchild? They just sent a video, an interview would be better. When I saw her daughter it was amazing, she had the same face. When they sent the ashes I kept hoping it was not her remains. The DNA test was negative except it had been compromised. Oh gosh it is driving me crazy just watching it for an hour. I can not imagine how the parents have felt all these years. Not knowing is the worst.
This is one film I don't think I will ever stop thinking about. I was 13 in 1977, just like Megumi. I am haunted by this film. Like everyone else who has commented here, I too was extremely moved by the pain of Megumi's family, and the families of the other abductees.
I don't know whether I believe Megumi is alive or not. I missed the last 20 minutes of the film as my DVR malfunctioned and didn't record it. As I watched the film, I could not get Megumi, the adult Megumi, out of my mind. It was heartwrenching to hear her parents, in their video letter to her, tell her about how Japan has changed since she was a child - they have a Disneyland now, something a child would delight in. It is clear that this family has grieved their little girl for a long time. I was so very impressed with how Megumi's parents consistently acted with dignity & grace while attempting to draw government attention to their plight.
But their little girl is a grown woman now. I almost wonder if it would be best for her to be found (clearly it would be an answer to prayer for her parents and brothers)? Of course, my heart cries out for her to be located alive to put an end to her parents suffering. But if she is found alive, will she be put in the unbearable position of having to choose between her parents & her husband & daughter? Her life was destroyed once, 30 years ago; I can't stop thinking about how, if she is located alive, her life could easily be devastated again by having to make such an untenable choice.
I watched a documentary a few years ago, which followed average North Koreans in their day-to-day lives. Everyone "interviewed" in the film appeared terrified of saying the wrong thing on camera, at the cost of their lives, so they spoke in only the most glorified terms of KJI. Anything that happened was due to the provision of their "glorious leader" (I believe this was the phrase they each used repeatedly). Someone healed from disease? Only because glorious leader KJI made it possible. What was the one thing an elderly, blind woman wanted more than anything else in the world? For her eyes to be healed so she could get one glimpse of KJI before she died. The film was filled with examples of this type of praise for KJI, but it felt stilted and forced, coming from the mouths of each person who spoke of him. I felt pity & sorrow for the NK living under the hell on earth that this dictator continues to perpetuate.
My heart & prayers are with Megumi, her families in the South & the North, the families of the other abductees, and the NK people. I pray they will all soon be free from the misery they are currently suffering.
I know Megumi is not the only one abducted.
You can find it at
http://www.reachdc.net./bookTableOfContents.html
I know there are many more.
What can I do?
Editors note:
More information on how you can help can be found at:
Rescuing Abductees Center for Hope
Truly sad.
Was it just me or was the song during the closing credits really moving? Anyone know name and artist?
Editors note:
Music credits can be found here:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/abduction/credits.html
I viewed this great doc at 4 in the am in pensacola, I was finishing my tour in South Korea during the time the little girl was abducted. The North Korean dictators proved to be reckless and evil. They are today an even greater threat to free people.I pray all those who have lost their children may find them. I pray also for the demise of this blood thirsty North Korean leader.
I stayed up late last night to watch this film and barely slept afterwards. I kept thinking of Megumi and her parents and all the other families as well. It was heart wrenching. This is the first time I have even heard of this situation. I can only imagine the terror the abductees felt and the suffering the families endured. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. I hope the Japanese Prime Minister will be able to resolve this issue with the North Korean government but it is doubtful given it is led by someone that is not rational. Thank you for bringing this story to the US.
I was and continue to feel the the loss of Megumi Yokota's entire family. Not only their loss, but also the deppression and completely helpless feelings of the child who so needs the protection and comfort of her mother. And the frustration and dispair of a mother who so badly wants to protect and comfort her baby girl. I am not able to just let this go. How will we know if and when all of our prayers are answered? How will we know when Megumi is returned to her family?
Megumi's abduction and her parents' suffering for so many years caused by a North Korean dictator and lack of interest by the politicians was so sad. I doubt if the politicians would sit by if it happened to one of their daughters. Our hearts go out to the Yokota family and we hope they will someday be able to rest with some resolution of their daughter's case
This film was incredible. I'm sure I'll be burdened by the emotions elicited from it like I am now for a long time. My one thought is why did the North Koreans feel they needed to abduct ordinary or any citizens like Megumi? For what possible gain? The misery and ire of all decent people who see this is all they gain. Not military mite. That effort will eventually implode on them. I hope the Japanese, US and all free world nations continue to pressure NK till it gives in to their paranoia and start treating people like people.
I knew when they started saying some of the abductees had died and when they started giving the cause of their deaths that this was false information. I was outraged but not surprised. I give all my support to Megumi's parents and brothers and the other family members still looking for their loved ones that they can continue until they have the answers. I do not know how the North Korean government got that little girl (Megumi's daughter) to lie on tape with such a straight face. I wonder what torture is still going on there. I strongly urge our government to do whatever it takes to find the truth about where the rest of the abductees are now. Also positive proof that this truth is valid. The families MUST have closure. North Korea MUST pay the price.
I am glad to learn Mr and Mrs Yokota's story. It is one that is important to the entire world; all nations should be asking for an explanation.
My hope is that their daughter is returned, and that they meet their granddaughter. I will keep this hope in my heart.
Watching this film really affected me in many ways. Since my oldest son died, I really relate to the pain of the parents. My heart cries also for the brothers. My other children are hurting badly too, and it has really crushed our family although we know he is with the Lord in Heaven. I wonder what happened to the parents of this girl. Are they still alive? I was touched by the faith of the mother, and pray for the salvation of the father and brothers. It grieves me not to be able to afford a grave marker for my son. I cant imagine how awful not to even be able to bury your child. It is such a tragedy that NK would not care about the families of these who were abducted. I wonder what happened to those survivors who returned to their families. This story should be continued with what has happened since this film was made.
I never thought I could experience all emotions in one documentary. Admirably, I watched as walks along the beach were shared by a couple. Unbelievably, I cried uncontrollably at the return of only 5 abductees. What is this thing in humans that causes such aggression to exist? The removal of a human being from its natural environment without any regard to its surroundings. This "rape" of life is an abomination. A government whose spirit is capable of such disregard to another government's culture. Oh, but there is another spirit in this film that is also very evident. To not acknowledge it would be to give ignorance full play of our mental ability to move on. The parent of Megumi have a resilience and tenacity that is unforgetable. Their faith, their heart, their love for their daughter is felt through out the film. I appreciated seeing that family can perservere in spite of. My prayer is that this young lady is safe and her parents be given sweet sleep.
This was moving, emotional and strangely uplifting. The heartbreak and the idea of stolen people is beyond belief but being government sanctioned is just plain cruel. I would have never believed it had I not viewed this documentary film. The families were so brave and passionate for so long..bravo for seeking the truth.
This story left me speechless...I felt angry, helpless...but overall, completely despondent. I've never watched anything that was so moving...and in the end, I am a bit troubled about Megumi's disappearance being unresolved. There has to be a way to figure it all out...and I sincerely believe she's still alive. Her parents have so much strength and dignity, never giving up, and still not giving up on their daughter. My heart clenched when they showed Megumi's daughter and she said she had no idea her mom was Japanese.
There's also the fact that cannot be ignored; the reality that Megumi has been in North Korea for more than half of her life and even has a daughter (perhaps even a family) of her own? After years of struggling...maybe she learned to accept that seeing the land she called home is not a close possibility
I'm not even sure what else to say...But as I stated before, I still believe she's alive. The North Korean government isn't to be trusted (changing date of death, sending an urn of contaminated 'remains') but also the interview with the Korean gentleman who's heard she's working as a Japanese teacher to Kim Jung Il's son...Megumi's (and the others who had been abducted and claimed to passed away)will perhaps never be resolved...but their families deserve to know the truth...if not have their family members returned, AT LEAST let them know the truth about their child/brother/sister. I hope Megumi's and the other families receive closure soon. 30 years of waiting is long enough.
I'm still absolutely astounded by this Independent Lens.
I was captivated by this show. It is incredibly sad, but also incredibly powerful...the absolute love and devotion of Megumi's parents through these years. Their strength is a witness to everyone who is in the midst of tragedy of any kind. I will pray for those abducted and their families. I will also pray that a full disclosure will occur one day soon.
I remember hearing something about North Korea abducting Japanese citizens on the news a few years ago. This film explained much more that a brief news item could never do. I feel so much sympathy for the families of the abductees. I would love to hear that Megumi has contacted her family, since it seems that she may still be alive. Even if she does not return to Japan permenantly, hearing from her would be such a comfort to her parents and brothers. If Megumi does have a husband and daughter, they should know that she was not a willing immigrant to North Korea. I hope that the North Korean Government may finally change and let the complete story be told.
Last night I watched "Abduction: The Megumi Yokata Story." I cannot explain my feelings toward it. I cried, I felt anger, I wanted to jump into the television set and hug both of Megumi's parents. I admire Megumi's parent's for being so brave, so determined, and never giving up hope. My heart goes out to all of the families (including Megumi's) who have been told that their loved one is dead. I will never forget this story and it is my sincere wish that the world never forgets!
This film left such an impression on me. I had never heard of Megumi's story until now. I was rocked emotionally while viewing the ups and downs of these families. For just that one hour I felt their pain and it is has impacted me in ways that I cannot describe. My God- I don't even want to ponder what it is like to wake up day after day, year after year, season after season and not know where my loved one is. I will pray for their families and let others know about Megumi's story. As the daughter of Cuban exiles I've come to the conclusion that when dealing with such regimes one never knows the whole truth...
I was completely captured by the poingancy of this documentary. The dignity of Megumi's family and those of the other abductees was stunning. Sadly I doubt that NK will ever fully disclose the information needed to bring resolution to these long suffering families. Providing false human remains in two cases points to their intent to continue the charade. It would be indeed shocking if the 13 highlighted aren't only the tip of the iceberg.
I hope the Japanese government continues to bear pressure on NK until the truth can be given these families. Truth isn't resolution or peace but it could be closure. Elizabeth Turner
Films like this remind us all why independent filmakers and public television is so important - where else would a story like this be told in the United States? Chris Sheridan, Patty Kim and Jane Campion did a masterful job of capturing the awful emotion the families have experienced as they have dealt with their own losses and fought two governments for the truth. Although this story has been well known in Japan for years, it is only now, through this film, that many in the United States will become aware of it. I strongly encourage all viewers to follow up with their representatives and demand that Washington hold Pyongyang to strict accountability on this issue.
I was profoundly moved by this story and will be troubled by its inability to be resolved. Is Megumi dead or were the remains not hers? Is the investigation still on or has it been closed? How awful that the North Korean govt has gotten away with these horrendous abductions. Cant the US do any more to gain resolution?
I was about to go to sleep and I saw this. I stayed up and watched the whole thing. There was a saying that someone in the movie had said was an old Japanese saying. "Spirired Away" as soon as I heard that I immediately thought of the movie that was created by Hayao Miyazaki. This documentary made me realize that a lot of things go on around the world at once. News from other countries aren't really talked about in U.S. newspapers. I really hope that the parents of Megumi attain their goal.
It's unlikely that my words will reach the eyes or ears of Megumi's parents but I wish to let all know that a personal war is in order. The emotions of Megumi's parents, brothers, loved ones, and the loved ones of all the abducted, have set an inferno in my spirt that may forever motivate me to do what it takes to help. If I should ever be given the opertunity to fight against the communist of north korea and china, the blade of my mind and at my side will forever be honed with the lives of their captors. Send me to find your sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters and I swear with my life I would have them returned with the heads of two communist generals per year they were taken from you. Let the world know your pain reach out to governments other than your own. Never give up.
Moving, brilliant, emotionally gripping. I wept for the families and the abducted.
'We' might never know the whole truth until Korea's dictatorship changes for the better.
No, I don't think the abductions will ever be completely resolved. Just as when we were informed that an urn of ashes was returned, my initial thought was to DNA test, then a split second later, I realized that it would probably be impossible to confirm or deny. I was shocked that North Korea wouldn't have tested it themselves--of course, they knew the results would be inconclusive. Heartwrenching story--one of those that will haunt me for years.
I was amused and saddened by the comment of one Japanese person that if this happened in the USA, we would declare war. Sadly, even LOCAL authorities in many towns are reluctant to respond to Missing Persons reports--years later, family members are still looking and the government has filed the case away as a cold file. I actually came to this website to try and find out WHY these people were abducted in the first place, as I missed the first 15 to 20 minutes. Was this addressed? I don't know if I have ever heard of abducting a CHILD unless it was slave or sexual trade, but she was the only child disclosed. So...how do I locate the place where other people have left comments? Thanks!
I cried for the mother and father and the brothers who have had to carry on with their lives without her and without really knowing what happened to her. I hoped that their daughter would come home with the other abductees and they would get to hold her in their arms once more. It is heartbreaking to see these people fight with such dignity to try and get someone to listen to them and do something. They deserve better than to be lied to. This was a story that needed to be told and I hope that it will help all of the families who have lost someone. The story is so bizarre and nightmarish. It had to be told and I thank you for making this film. Thank you.
I feel for the Yokota family and I will be praying for them and their daughter. That they hear from her.
I do not believe it will ever be resolved completely.
I believe Megumi choose to stay in North Korean and not leave her daughter and husband. She does not want her daughter to go without a mother as she had to.
I think they had a choice to go home and never look back (or ever say anything or the ones they left behind would be harmed) or be reported dead and stay. In 29 years they are bound to have loved someone as much as their parents and family. It would be hard to just let it go and start all over again. But what about all of the others that were abducted and not given a choice or their governments do not know they were among the abducted ones.
I believe all the Yokota family wants to know their daughter is okay and to hear from her even if they never get to see her again. Just to talk to her and now and then and to know she is okay and to let her know how much she is missed and loved by them. Maybe the ones that did come home will tell them something to comfort them.
They are very strong people and I admire how well they are doing unlike the poor mother who died before seeing her son again. And the brother who is helping by trying everything to get his sister back.
I cried so much watching Megumi Yokota's story tonight... My thoughts are with her and her family right now, I hope she's alive and she'll soon be reunited with her family. If she's dead as the North Korean government affirms, I hope she's in peace. May the truth comes out, for her sake and her family's. I really hope it will soon all revealed. Resolved? I don't think it can be resolved. All these years and all this pain will never be resolved... It's a really good documentary.
This story touched our family deeply, such sadness for her parents. What did North Korea hope to gain by this? Why do abuctors get away with this, to take people from all who love them and destroy so many lives. It is so sad we live in a world where our children are not safe. I so wish someday they will find her alive. We will keep them in our prayers.
Unless the Japanese government continues to put economic pressure on the North Korean government, the last 8 members will never come home. My sense of justice is outraged that North Korea has been allowed to get away with their horrible actions against these people and possibly many more! The United States should also put pressure on North Korea to aid Japan in their push for returning their own citizens to the country.
I do not think that the truth will ever be told as long as North Korea is under the rule of Il.
probally not..maybe someday this family will finally learn the real truth about there daughter. north but in the hands of the korean govermnt to tell the truth these poor people desearves that much.
