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。

youdao

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