Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a bid to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In an interview, Mr. Abe said he wants to meet Kim Jong Un unconditionally and talk with him frankly with an open mind.
Until late 2017, North Korea repeatedly tested missiles that flew towards or over Japan, sparking warnings blared out on loudspeakers and stoking calls for a tough stance against Pyongyang.
However, Japan now finds itself battling to keep relevant in the fast-moving North Korea issue as Mr. Kim expands his diplomatic circle.
Mr. Kim met Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week after multiple meetings with US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korean leader Moon Jae-in.
