What happened at previous summits?
During the first historic summit in 2002, Pyongyang apologised for the abductions of Japanese citizens; while Tokyo agreed to discuss compensation for causing the suffering of North Koreans during its colonial rule.
This became known as the Pyongyang Declaration, which was signed by both leaders in a bid to normalise ties. But further talks stalled as Japan insisted on deeper investigation into the abduction issue.
In 2004, both sides met again for the last time.
What are the chances of a summit taking place now?
For the summit to happen, North Korea would first have to agree to discuss the issue of the abducted Japanese nationals.
Japan will then have to reciprocate: For instance, if the two countries establish diplomatic relations, Tokyo will need to provide economic assistance to Pyongyang.
But that would be difficult in light of strict international sanctions imposed on North Korea due to, again, the rapid build-up of its nuclear and missile programme.
Overall, the ongoing disputes and deep-seated differences make a summit an unlikely prospect, and even if it does materialise, analysts are sceptical about whether it’ll bring favourable results.
Mr Han from the Asan Institute said Pyongyang has bigger priorities. These include another meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a possible trip to Beijing and a sit-down with former US president Donald Trump, should the presumptive Republican Party nominee return to the White House.
