The five Japanese repatriated in 2002 after being abducted by North Korea in 1978 expressed strong expectations Friday that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi would return from his trip to Pyongyang with their eight family members.
Speaking at a joint news conference at a Tokyo hotel, they said they hope Saturday's second summit between Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il will help resolve the issue of Pyongyang's kidnapping of Japanese nationals.
"I was surprised when I heard Prime Minister Koizumi would visit North Korea," said Fukie Chimura, one of the five. She said the trip has given her hope that she will see her children again.