Follows an interview with Nakayama Masaaki, head of an LDP delegation, who visited DPRK in March 1998 to inspect food situation of flood stricken areas;

Nakayama Masaaki

-- How were talks with DPRK officials?

　We had talks on several issues, and we finally agreed that we should "climb conquerable mountains," first. There lie some problems between our two countries which should be solved as humanitarian ones.

We should regard the homecoming of Japanese wives in the DPRK and those involved in the *Yodo-go Incident to be a humanitarian problem. But I think we should not complicate this with the issue of food aid to north Korea. We should tackle these problems separately, and neither of these problems should be made precondition to solve the other problem.

Inter-governmental negotiations between the two countries are virtually suspended (due to the alleged abduction by north Korean agents of Japanese citizens). We should leave the issue to the DPRK side in consideration of the fact that they said that they would tackle the problem of missing Japanese citizens.

I had frankly expressed my views in a meeting with officials of the Workers' Party of Korea held last year. In the recent meeting, we also had a serious dialogue. But, afterward, a reception was held in a very friendly atmosphere and both secretary Kim Yong Sun and I sang songs there.

I once served as Post and Telecommunication (Yusei) Minister. Yusei is derived from the word "tsushin" (correspondence). The word "tsushin" originates in tsushinshi, a Korean envoy to Japan during the Edo period, which was originally intended to promote mutual friendship, understanding and confidence. Japan received tsushishi from the Li Dynasty thirteen times in the Edo Era. Japan and Korea have an old history of frequent exchange, so I told them that I wanted to keep exchange based on this history.

--What was an impressive experience in your second visit to the DPRK?

The most impressive incident in my first visit was that, when we left Pyongyang last year, Mr. Hwang Chol of the DPRK representatives rushed to me and held my hands on a ramp at the Pyongyang airport. I'd never thought of having an opportunity to visit north Korea again in such a short time after that.

I was accompanied by my son as I was before. I wanted him to show north Korea which we were going to have new relationships, for the sake of future of our country. I was very glad that Secretary Kim Yong Sun kindly gave a toast to my son.

I exchanged flank opinions with secretary Kim. As for the Yodo-go incident, some Japanese people said that the issue seemed to be raised at the meeting out of the blue. But the issue was previously discussed several times. I was thinking that the issue must be settled between the two countries sooner or later. The north Korean side is taking the attitude of leaving a matter to a decision by the "Yodo-go" members. They don't have the intention to expel them from north Korea, but if the members decide to go back to Japan, the north side is not in a position to stop them. This time I met members of the Yodo-go group and I thought we would be able to make progress in the issue without causing any entanglement.

--How was your inspection trip to flood-stricken areas?

　I went to Sukchon County in South Pyongan Province, which was an hour car ride from Pyongyang. This time we visited Mundok County in the same Province, where we found the flood-damage was still severe.

In spite of the fact that United Nations Development Program gave assistance to north Korea, the dams and banks I saw there made me feel that more aid was needed for their restoration.

Investments should be made in agriculture. And it is necessary to provide fertilizer as rice and grain planting was too densely done in many parts.

Originally, the land of north Korea is not suitable for agriculture, and that of south Korea is not suitable for industrial development. I can say that the lack of condition in industrial development caused by the division of the country has begun to show itself.

--Is there a possibility of your visiting the country again?

　I can remember Kim Yong Sun saying, "A road is paved where many people often walked on." I replied that a Japanese word "Manzoku (satisfaction)" is a combination of two Chinese Kanji, meaning "to fill" and "foot." I think what is important for deepening mutual trust is pay frequent visits.

Secretary Kim told me that I should come to north Korea with my wife next time. I would like to do so.

After coming back to Japan, people asked the delegation members, "Why didn't you raised `abduction case of Japanese citizens' in your recent visit?" Although it was the first time for the other delegation members to visit the DPRK, they all replied that they agreed to the way I had dealt the issue in the meeting with DPRK officials. That is, other members basically share my opinion.

A visit of a WPK delegation to Japan will be realized in the future.

I think we should appeal more to our counterpart, showing that Japan has changed. We should cooperate with both north and south Korea for the prosperity of Northeast Asia. I think DPRK-Japan ties should be promoted for a further development of both countries.