Hana was abducted from Newark, New Jersey on December 17, 2005. At the time of her disappearance, she lived with her father, Jay Scordato, and mother, Rumi Kataoka. Kataoka scheduled a trip to visit her native Japan in December 2005, and took Hana with her. She refused to return Hana to the United States after the vacation was over, and has not allowed Hana any contact with her father.

Photographs and vital statistics for Kataoka are posted below this case summary. She and Hana are believed to be living in Kani City, Gifu, Japan, along with other members of Kataoka's immediate family. Kataoka has Hana's passport, birth records and other documents. She removed the documents and many other personal belongings from her home in New Jersey, without Jay's knowledge, prior to going to Japan. There is an active bench warrant out for Kataoka's arrest in the United States, but it is unenforceable while she remains in Japan. Jay obtained legal custody of Hana in American courts, but Japan has refused to enforce the American custody order.

Hana's abduction remains unresolved. Her father is active in the effort to have her returned to his care.