Japan Calm over N. Korea's Pullout from Tokyo Games

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)--Japanese government officials Tuesday reacted calmly to North Korea's decision not to attend the Tokyo Olympics this summer due to concerns about coronavirus infections. But the news disappointed those who hoped that a visit to Japan by senior North Korean officials for the sporting event may help move the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea a step closer toward the resolution. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had expressed his readiness to talk with Kim Yo Jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister, if she visits Japan to attend the Olympics, saying that he would "consider every possibility if it helps resolve the abduction issue." "We can't do anything about it," a senior Foreign Ministry official said resignedly over the news of North Korea's decision. Meanwhile, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told a press conference that Japan is ready to talk directly with North Korea and that there is no change to this stance at all. Speaking to reporters, Masahisa Sato, director of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Foreign Affairs Division, expressed his disappointment over the loss of an opportunity to talk with North Korean officials on abduction, nuclear and missile issues. END