拉致

• Reading: らち
• Romaji: rachi
• Kanji breakdown: 拉 (ra) — to drag, to pull | 致 (chi) — to bring, to cause
• Pronunciation: /ɾa.tɕi/

Meaning

Abduction; kidnapping; the forcible seizure and removal of a person against their will.

In Japan, 拉致 carries especially strong connotations due to the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. The issue became a defining national concern after North Korea acknowledged in 2002 that it had abducted Japanese nationals. 拉致被害者 (abduction victims) and 拉致問題 (the abduction issue) are standard fixed phrases in this context. The word is also used in general criminal or political contexts.

Examples

1. 北朝鮮による拉致問題は、日本の外交において今も未解決のままだ。 The issue of abductions by North Korea remains unresolved in Japanese diplomacy to this day.
2. 拉致被害者の家族は、政府に対して早期解決を求め続けている。 The families of abduction victims continue to demand an early resolution from the government.
3. 組織犯罪による拉致事件が各地で相次ぎ、警察当局が捜査を強化した。 A series of abduction cases by organised crime syndicates occurred across the country, prompting police authorities to strengthen their investigations.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, criminal law, national security, journalism

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Chinese 拉致 — 拉 (ra) meaning 'to pull, to drag' and 致 (chi) meaning 'to bring, to cause'. The compound denotes dragging someone to a place against their will, entering widespread Japanese use particularly in diplomatic and criminal contexts.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal