In Beijing, as diplomats of Tokyo and Pyongyang discuss reopening the investigation into unsolved kidnappings of Japanese citizens by North Korea, the families of those abducted wait desperately and hope for answers as to the whereabouts of their loved ones. 

The abductions took place nearly four decades ago, when North Korean operatives kidnapped at least 17 Japanese citizens in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Some were kidnapped alone, while walking to and from school. Others were taken in pairs while out on dates.

In 2002, North Korea admitted to the kidnappings for the first time, but allowed only five abduction victims to return home to Japan. 

Source: CNN