Prominent figure Hitomi Soga, an abductee who was involuntarily taken from Japan to North Korea in 1978 but repatriated in 2002, expresses a longing to meet her mother again. Soga's yearning for this reunion results from her mother's continued captivity in North Korea. Despite the political complications, she continues to prevail upon government officials, urging them to hold talks with the North Korean government for the solid resolution of the abduction issue.

The abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korea in the late 20th century are a significant and sensitive issue within Japanese society. Frustration is prevalent due to lack of progress in negotiations with North Korea. Hitomi Soga's struggle symbolizes this frustration and desire for closure among the Japanese populace.

This issue is comparable to high-profile missing persons cases in the US or kidnappings by terrorist groups in the EU, such as the abduction of journalist James Foley by ISIS. However, cultural differences make the Japanese abductees' case unique due to its direct involvement of the state, North Korea.