Japan has viewed a thawing of relations between Kim Jong-il and the US with some concern and is determined the abduction issue will not be sidelined.

日本关注到朝美关系在某些方面趋于缓和，但并没有决定将绑架事件搁置一旁。

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They have eased relations with Japan and, horrified by the nuclear brinkmanship of Kim Jong Il, mediated with Korea.

他们缓和了与日本的关系，并为金II的核边缘政策担惊受怕，并为此与韩国联手调解。

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This week,Kim Jong Un and his aunt, the sister of Kim Jong Il, became four-star generals with little military experience.

VOA: special.2010.10.02

South Korean media say Kim Jong-il's personal train crossed into China at the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong Monday.

VOA: standard.2010.05.03

Hyun says social instability has increased in North Korea, so leader Kim Jong-il needs to continue to reinforce his domestic power base.

VOA: standard.2009.06.22

China, North Korea's main backer, has not yet given its official reaction to Kim Jong-il's death.

BBC: Kim Jong-il death triggers swift regional reaction

Mr. Iijima was a top adviser to former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, and was deeply involved in organizing his visit to North Korea for talks with then-leader Kim Jong Il in the early 2000s, which led to the release of several Japanese abductees.

WSJ: Trip to Pyongyang Irks Tokyo's Allies