1997: Formation of the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea
The beginning of the popular movement
March 25, 1997, the families of Megumi Yokota, Yasushi Chimura, Fukie Hamamoto, Kaoru Hasuike, Yukiko Okudo, Shuichi Ichikawa, Rumiko Masumoto, Keiko Arimoto and Tadaaki Hara, came together to form the Association of Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea. (AFVKN)
To these nine families, those of Kaoru Matsuki, Yaeko Taguchi, Shoji Terakoshi and Miyoshi Soga, would later be added, bringing the total to thirteen families.
In the space of a few years, their association has become very well known throughout Japan, and has gained wide approval and support for their combat.