
AI-generated summary
Megumi Yokota was abducted in Niigata City in 1977. The abduction issue has not been resolved for many years, and the aging of the victims' families has become a serious issue.
Ahead of the 15th, which marks 49 years since Megumi Yokota, who was 13 at the time of her abduction, was abducted by North Korea in Niigata, a prefectural citizen assembly was held in the city on the 14th to call for an early resolution of the abduction issue. His mother, Sakie (90), attended online and said, ``I'm 90 years old, so I can't push myself, but I'm doing my best, praying that we can meet again while I'm still healthy.''
Approximately 700 people participated in the rally. Takuya (58), Megumi's younger brother and representative of the Abduction Victims' Family Liaison Association, spoke of his feelings for his sister, saying, ``In my memory, Megumi remains as she was when she was 13 years old. I can't picture her now, at 62 years old.'' He called on the government to hold a Japan-North Korea summit meeting.
Abduction victim Hitomi Soga (67) also attended the rally. Regarding her mother Miyoshi (46), who was abducted along with her and whose safety is unknown, she said, ``As a daughter, it's so painful that I can't do anything. Please allow me to once again be your filial son.''

As Israel's interim Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks another attack on Iran, he is increasingly isolated as military leaders and opposition leaders continue to call for restraint. In addition to concerns over the political use of the attacks, there have also been reports of deteriorating relations with US President Trump.

Yuhei Sato, who was the governor of Fukushima prefecture at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, has published ``Yuhei Sato's autobiography,'' which looks back on those days. In nine chapters, the book describes the response to the nuclear power plant accident and the lessons learned, warning against any move to restart the plant, saying, ``The same tragedy could repeat itself.''

China will host the APEC summit in Shenzhen on the 18th and 19th, and will use AI as a pillar of its diplomacy to embrace the Global South and compete for leadership with Japan and the United States. A US-China-Russia summit will also be held on the 19th, with nuclear disarmament and talks on Iran expected to be taken up.

The US White House announced on the 13th that a trilateral summit meeting between the US, China, and Russia will be held on the 19th in Shenzhen, China. This is the first formal summit meeting between the three countries in history. US President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend to discuss nuclear disarmament and military operations against Iran. Russia's invasion of Ukraine is not expected to be discussed.

US CNN reported that Vice President Vance is considering not running for the next presidential election in 2028 after the Republican Party lost its majority in both houses of Congress in the midterm elections. The reason for this is said to be the deterioration of relations with President Trump over military operations against Iran. Meanwhile, the Washington Post has reported that he is likely to run, sparking speculation.

The House of Councilors special committee has begun deliberations on a bill related to the consumption tax reduction on food products, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced plans to expand the scope of subsidies to more than 50% of active workers, providing up to 60,000 yen for households with two children. Komeito remains tepid, with no prospects for securing a majority in the ruling party.