Abstract



The Korean Peninsula is located in close proximity to the Japanese archipelago, and thus relations among Japan, North Korea, and South Korea have serious implications for the security, stability, and economic well-being of the region. The Japanese public holds a nearly universal negative view of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, with approximately 97% of the public expressing an unfavorable view. This paper will explore the plausible causes of Japan’s negative view of North Korea and the implications of such unfavorable ratings for the Asia-Pacific region at large. One major factor contributing to such a universal negative view of North Korea in Japan is the North Korean state-sponsored abductions of Japanese citizens. Accordingly, in this paper, there will be a discussion about these kidnappings of Japanese citizens. Additionally, North Korea has conducted provocative weapons testing, in violation of international law and threatening security in the region and to Japan in particular. Hence, a discussion of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic weapons will be included as well. The paper will then conclude with what the implications are for the region at large. For the purposes of this assignment, the terms “kidnapping” and “abduction” will be used interchangeably. The names “North Korea,” “DPRK,” and “The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” will also be used interchangeably as well, as will “South Korea,” “ROK,” and “The Republic of Korea. Whenever possible, multiple sources will be used to verify facts, and this paper draws extensively from a 2012 publication from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs entitled “Abductions of Japanese Citizens by North Korea.” Two illustrative images have also been included.