AMERICANS RESPOND TO MEGUMI'S STORY
Hi everyone...just wanted to share the overwhelming response we got from PBS viewers online following the film's airing last week. We've received a number of emails as well. Here are a sampling of the people who took the time to write the PBS website with their comments...All of these comments will be sent to the parents of Megumi Yokota so they can see that Americans really do care about them...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Truly sad.
Was it just me or was the song during the closing credits really moving? Anyone know name and artist?
Editors note:
Music credits can be found here:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/abduction/credits.html
Posted by: calvin on June 24, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I viewed this great doc at 4 in the am in pensacola, I was finishing my tour in South Korea during the time the little girl was abducted. The North Korean dictators proved to be reckless and evil. They are today an even greater threat to free people.I pray all those who have lost their children may find them. I pray also for the demise of this blood thirsty North Korean leader.
Posted by: glenn rothe on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I stayed up late last night to watch this film and barely slept afterwards. I kept thinking of Megumi and her parents and all the other families as well. It was heart wrenching. This is the first time I have even heard of this situation. I can only imagine the terror the abductees felt and the suffering the families endured. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. I hope the Japanese Prime Minister will be able to resolve this issue with the North Korean government but it is doubtful given it is led by someone that is not rational. Thank you for bringing this story to the US.
Posted by: Maureen Smith on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was and continue to feel the the loss of Megumi Yokota's entire family. Not only their loss, but also the deppression and completely helpless feelings of the child who so needs the protection and comfort of her mother. And the frustration and dispair of a mother who so badly wants to protect and comfort her baby girl. I am not able to just let this go. How will we know if and when all of our prayers are answered? How will we know when Megumi is returned to her family?
Posted by: Annie Mitchell on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Megumi's abduction and her parents' suffering for so many years caused by a North Korean dictator and lack of interest by the politicians was so sad. I doubt if the politicians would sit by if it happened to one of their daughters. Our hearts go out to the Yokota family and we hope they will someday be able to rest with some resolution of their daughter's case
Posted by: christina matchett on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This film was incredible. I'm sure I'll be burdened by the emotions elicited from it like I am now for a long time. My one thought is why did the North Koreans feel they needed to abduct ordinary or any citizens like Megumi? For what possible gain? The misery and ire of all decent people who see this is all they gain. Not military mite. That effort will eventually implode on them. I hope the Japanese, US and all free world nations continue to pressure NK till it gives in to their paranoia and start treating people like people.
Posted by: Wes M. on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I knew when they started saying some of the abductees had died and when they started giving the cause of their deaths that this was false information. I was outraged but not surprised. I give all my support to Megumi's parents and brothers and the other family members still looking for their loved ones that they can continue until they have the answers. I do not know how the North Korean government got that little girl (Megumi's daughter) to lie on tape with such a straight face. I wonder what torture is still going on there. I strongly urge our government to do whatever it takes to find the truth about where the rest of the abductees are now. Also positive proof that this truth is valid. The families MUST have closure. North Korea MUST pay the price.
Posted by: Colette L Molumby on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am glad to learn Mr and Mrs Yokota's story. It is one that is important to the entire world; all nations should be asking for an explanation.
My hope is that their daughter is returned, and that they meet their granddaughter. I will keep this hope in my heart.
Posted by: Leslie Spires on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watching this film really affected me in many ways. Since my oldest son died, I really relate to the pain of the parents. My heart cries also for the brothers. My other children are hurting badly too, and it has really crushed our family although we know he is with the Lord in Heaven. I wonder what happened to the parents of this girl. Are they still alive? I was touched by the faith of the mother, and pray for the salvation of the father and brothers. It grieves me not to be able to afford a grave marker for my son. I cant imagine how awful not to even be able to bury your child. It is such a tragedy that NK would not care about the families of these who were abducted. I wonder what happened to those survivors who returned to their families. This story should be continued with what has happened since this film was made.
Posted by: Kajern Niemi on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I never thought I could experience all emotions in one documentary. Admirably, I watched as walks along the beach were shared by a couple. Unbelievably, I cried uncontrollably at the return of only 5 abductees. What is this thing in humans that causes such aggression to exist? The removal of a human being from its natural environment without any regard to its surroundings. This "rape" of life is an abomination. A government whose spirit is capable of such disregard to another government's culture. Oh, but there is another spirit in this film that is also very evident. To not acknowledge it would be to give ignorance full play of our mental ability to move on. The parent of Megumi have a resilience and tenacity that is unforgetable. Their faith, their heart, their love for their daughter is felt through out the film. I appreciated seeing that family can perservere in spite of. My prayer is that this young lady is safe and her parents be given sweet sleep.
Posted by: Sonya Benoit on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This was moving, emotional and strangely uplifting. The heartbreak and the idea of stolen people is beyond belief but being government sanctioned is just plain cruel. I would have never believed it had I not viewed this documentary film. The families were so brave and passionate for so long..bravo for seeking the truth.
Posted by: G. Hill on June 23, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This story left me speechless...I felt angry, helpless...but overall, completely despondent. I've never watched anything that was so moving...and in the end, I am a bit troubled about Megumi's disappearance being unresolved. There has to be a way to figure it all out...and I sincerely believe she's still alive. Her parents have so much strength and dignity, never giving up, and still not giving up on their daughter. My heart clenched when they showed Megumi's daughter and she said she had no idea her mom was Japanese.
There's also the fact that cannot be ignored; the reality that Megumi has been in North Korea for more than half of her life and even has a daughter (perhaps even a family) of her own? After years of struggling...maybe she learned to accept that seeing the land she called home is not a close possibility
I'm not even sure what else to say...But as I stated before, I still believe she's alive. The North Korean government isn't to be trusted (changing date of death, sending an urn of contaminated 'remains') but also the interview with the Korean gentleman who's heard she's working as a Japanese teacher to Kim Jung Il's son...Megumi's (and the others who had been abducted and claimed to passed away)will perhaps never be resolved...but their families deserve to know the truth...if not have their family members returned, AT LEAST let them know the truth about their child/brother/sister. I hope Megumi's and the other families receive closure soon. 30 years of waiting is long enough.
I'm still absolutely astounded by this Independent Lens.
Posted by: Ma Ri on June 22, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was captivated by this show. It is incredibly sad, but also incredibly powerful...the absolute love and devotion of Megumi's parents through these years. Their strength is a witness to everyone who is in the midst of tragedy of any kind. I will pray for those abducted and their families. I will also pray that a full disclosure will occur one day soon.
Posted by: a friend from the Land of Enchantment (USA) on June 22, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I remember hearing something about North Korea abducting Japanese citizens on the news a few years ago. This film explained much more that a brief news item could never do. I feel so much sympathy for the families of the abductees. I would love to hear that Megumi has contacted her family, since it seems that she may still be alive. Even if she does not return to Japan permenantly, hearing from her would be such a comfort to her parents and brothers. If Megumi does have a husband and daughter, they should know that she was not a willing immigrant to North Korea. I hope that the North Korean Government may finally change and let the complete story be told.
Posted by: jm on June 22, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night I watched "Abduction: The Megumi Yokata Story." I cannot explain my feelings toward it. I cried, I felt anger, I wanted to jump into the television set and hug both of Megumi's parents. I admire Megumi's parent's for being so brave, so determined, and never giving up hope. My heart goes out to all of the families (including Megumi's) who have been told that their loved one is dead. I will never forget this story and it is my sincere wish that the world never forgets!
Posted by: Anonymous on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This film left such an impression on me. I had never heard of Megumi's story until now. I was rocked emotionally while viewing the ups and downs of these families. For just that one hour I felt their pain and it is has impacted me in ways that I cannot describe. My God- I don't even want to ponder what it is like to wake up day after day, year after year, season after season and not know where my loved one is. I will pray for their families and let others know about Megumi's story. As the daughter of Cuban exiles I've come to the conclusion that when dealing with such regimes one never knows the whole truth...
Posted by: Melissa Sarmiento on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was completely captured by the poingancy of this documentary. The dignity of Megumi's family and those of the other abductees was stunning. Sadly I doubt that NK will ever fully disclose the information needed to bring resolution to these long suffering families. Providing false human remains in two cases points to their intent to continue the charade. It would be indeed shocking if the 13 highlighted aren't only the tip of the iceberg.
I hope the Japanese government continues to bear pressure on NK until the truth can be given these families. Truth isn't resolution or peace but it could be closure. Elizabeth Turner
Posted by: Elizabeth Turner on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Films like this remind us all why independent filmakers and public television is so important - where else would a story like this be told in the United States? Chris Sheridan, Patty Kim and Jane Campion did a masterful job of capturing the awful emotion the families have experienced as they have dealt with their own losses and fought two governments for the truth. Although this story has been well known in Japan for years, it is only now, through this film, that many in the United States will become aware of it. I strongly encourage all viewers to follow up with their representatives and demand that Washington hold Pyongyang to strict accountability on this issue.
Posted by: Joseph Davis on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was profoundly moved by this story and will be troubled by its inability to be resolved. Is Megumi dead or were the remains not hers? Is the investigation still on or has it been closed? How awful that the North Korean govt has gotten away with these horrendous abductions. Cant the US do any more to gain resolution?
Posted by: judi meyers on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was about to go to sleep and I saw this. I stayed up and watched the whole thing. There was a saying that someone in the movie had said was an old Japanese saying. "Spirired Away" as soon as I heard that I immediately thought of the movie that was created by Hayao Miyazaki. This documentary made me realize that a lot of things go on around the world at once. News from other countries aren't really talked about in U.S. newspapers. I really hope that the parents of Megumi attain their goal.
Posted by: K on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's unlikely that my words will reach the eyes or ears of Megumi's parents but I wish to let all know that a personal war is in order. The emotions of Megumi's parents, brothers, loved ones, and the loved ones of all the abducted, have set an inferno in my spirt that may forever motivate me to do what it takes to help. If I should ever be given the opertunity to fight against the communist of north korea and china, the blade of my mind and at my side will forever be honed with the lives of their captors. Send me to find your sons, daughters, brothers, and sisters and I swear with my life I would have them returned with the heads of two communist generals per year they were taken from you. Let the world know your pain reach out to governments other than your own. Never give up.
Posted by: White Fang on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moving, brilliant, emotionally gripping. I wept for the families and the abducted.
Posted by: Jack on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'We' might never know the whole truth until Korea's dictatorship changes for the better.
Posted by: Texas Farmer on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, I don't think the abductions will ever be completely resolved. Just as when we were informed that an urn of ashes was returned, my initial thought was to DNA test, then a split second later, I realized that it would probably be impossible to confirm or deny. I was shocked that North Korea wouldn't have tested it themselves--of course, they knew the results would be inconclusive. Heartwrenching story--one of those that will haunt me for years.
I was amused and saddened by the comment of one Japanese person that if this happened in the USA, we would declare war. Sadly, even LOCAL authorities in many towns are reluctant to respond to Missing Persons reports--years later, family members are still looking and the government has filed the case away as a cold file. I actually came to this website to try and find out WHY these people were abducted in the first place, as I missed the first 15 to 20 minutes. Was this addressed? I don't know if I have ever heard of abducting a CHILD unless it was slave or sexual trade, but she was the only child disclosed. So...how do I locate the place where other people have left comments? Thanks!
Posted by: Kim Craigo on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I cried for the mother and father and the brothers who have had to carry on with their lives without her and without really knowing what happened to her. I hoped that their daughter would come home with the other abductees and they would get to hold her in their arms once more. It is heartbreaking to see these people fight with such dignity to try and get someone to listen to them and do something. They deserve better than to be lied to. This was a story that needed to be told and I hope that it will help all of the families who have lost someone. The story is so bizarre and nightmarish. It had to be told and I thank you for making this film. Thank you.
Posted by: Jacqueline Mustill on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I feel for the Yokota family and I will be praying for them and their daughter. That they hear from her.
I do not believe it will ever be resolved completely.
I believe Megumi choose to stay in North Korean and not leave her daughter and husband. She does not want her daughter to go without a mother as she had to.
I think they had a choice to go home and never look back (or ever say anything or the ones they left behind would be harmed) or be reported dead and stay. In 29 years they are bound to have loved someone as much as their parents and family. It would be hard to just let it go and start all over again. But what about all of the others that were abducted and not given a choice or their governments do not know they were among the abducted ones.
I believe all the Yokota family wants to know their daughter is okay and to hear from her even if they never get to see her again. Just to talk to her and now and then and to know she is okay and to let her know how much she is missed and loved by them. Maybe the ones that did come home will tell them something to comfort them.
They are very strong people and I admire how well they are doing unlike the poor mother who died before seeing her son again. And the brother who is helping by trying everything to get his sister back.
Posted by: Diane Fuller on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I cried so much watching Megumi Yokota's story tonight... My thoughts are with her and her family right now, I hope she's alive and she'll soon be reunited with her family. If she's dead as the North Korean government affirms, I hope she's in peace. May the truth comes out, for her sake and her family's. I really hope it will soon all revealed. Resolved? I don't think it can be resolved. All these years and all this pain will never be resolved... It's a really good documentary.
Posted by: Valeria on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This story touched our family deeply, such sadness for her parents. What did North Korea hope to gain by this? Why do abuctors get away with this, to take people from all who love them and destroy so many lives. It is so sad we live in a world where our children are not safe. I so wish someday they will find her alive. We will keep them in our prayers.
Posted by: Michelle on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unless the Japanese government continues to put economic pressure on the North Korean government, the last 8 members will never come home. My sense of justice is outraged that North Korea has been allowed to get away with their horrible actions against these people and possibly many more! The United States should also put pressure on North Korea to aid Japan in their push for returning their own citizens to the country.
Posted by: Joanna Shumaker on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I do not think that the truth will ever be told as long as North Korea is under the rule of Il.
Posted by: Christina from Reston, VA, USA on June 20, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
probally not..maybe someday this family will finally learn the real truth about there daughter. north but in the hands of the korean govermnt to tell the truth these poor people desearves that much.
Posted by: stacy on June 20, 2008
posted by Director @ 12:32 PM
0 comments
