American Folk Singer Pens ‘Song for Megumi’ as Abductee Issue Looms Large in Japan

American Folk Singer Pens ‘Song for Megumi’ as Abductee Issue Looms Large in Japan

Since it first came to light a few years ago, the kidnapping of up to 17 Japanese citizens by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s has captured the attention of the Japanese nation, influenced its domestic politics and become a central concern of Japanese foreign policy.

And now, an American folk singer is bringing his talents to bear in an effort to bring some resolution to the situation.

On Tuesday, Noel Paul Stookey, a member of the legendary group Peter, Paul and Mary, debuted his "Song for Megumi" at a Tokyo press conference attended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the parents of the song's subject, Megumi Yakota.

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