Japan-South Korea relations

The decision to send Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa to Seoul signals Japan’s willingness to improve dialogue with South Korea. President-elect Yoon has made similar overtures.

Tensions between the two are frozen over, but president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has spoken of his interest in a thaw.

Even from retirement, former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo continues to cast a long shadow over Japan’s foreign policy.

There has been a fundamental shift in the dynamics surrounding Japan-South Korea relations, with both sides hardening their approach.

Along with their different policies on North Korea, the two candidates also have different perspectives on Japan. 

Misgivings over the Korean Supreme Court’s ruling in September 2021.

Kishida looks likely to maintain a typical Japanese approach to the two Koreas.

Even while Koreans cheer on their athletes, the tensions between Japan and South Korea are bringing a political tint to the Games.

After a Japanese senior diplomat’s lewd comment about Moon was reported, South Korea decided to stop negotiating with Japan over a presidential summit in Tokyo. 

President Moon’s potential visit to Tokyo is the object of a diplomatic tug-of-war. Both sides should treat it as an opportunity, not a bargaining chip.

Besides seeing a stronger stance emerge on China, the summit had implications for the North Korea issue as well as Japan-South Korea relations.