"North Korean Leader's Sister Signals Potential Thaw in Japan Relations"

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, expressed openness to improving relations with Japan and potentially hosting a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in response to Kishida's call for a summit to address the abduction issue and elevate bilateral ties. However, she emphasized that Japan must drop criticisms of North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and set aside the abduction issue before any progress can be made. This potential thaw in relations comes amid North Korea's hardened stance toward South Korea and Japan's condemnation of North Korea's weapons tests.