NHK aired an exclusive interview with Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Sugiyama this morning ahead of President Trump’s visit to Japan next week. Commenting on Prime Minister Abe’s plan to meet with the DPRK’s Kim Jong Un unconditionally in order to resolve the abduction issue, Sugiyama said: “Based on their close communication, Japan and the U.S. are in full agreement on the overall concept and direction” of policy toward North Korea. He was shown stating that the fact that the President will be the first state guest to meet with the new emperor will “definitely” symbolize the unshakable bilateral alliance. Sugiyama said that since the two leaders agreed in April to step up negotiations in the bilateral trade talks, concrete discussions will be accelerated going forward.