Kim Yo Jong’s rejection of Prime Minister Takaichi’s desire to meet Kim Jong Un underscores the structural limits of Japan’s bilateral approach—and the need to shift toward multilateral human rights pressure.

North Korea’s fierce condemnation of Japan’s record defense budget reflects not just historical propaganda, but deep fear that a more militarily capable Japan—firmly aligned with the United States—could derail Pyongyang’s long-term ambitions on the Korean Peninsula.