By Publisher-Chairman Lee Jon-Young, Editor Andy Hyun President Lee Jae-Myung of the Republic of Korea and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan held a Summit Meeting in Nara Prefecture, Japan, on January 13-14 and agreed to maintain stable relations between Korea and Japan as well as expand substantive cooperation. This meeting signifies the complete normalization of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of Korea and Japan after President Lee resumed the practice with a visit to Japan last August. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak stated in a briefing in Seoul on January 14, "The
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall Editor | NARA, Japan (Jan. 13) — Lee Jae-myung on Monday became the first South Korean president to visit Nara Prefecture, holding a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and calling for a “new era” of strategic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The visit was marked by unusually warm hospitality from the Japanese side. From Lee’s arrival in Osaka to his transfer to Nara, Japan provided top-level security and protocol. In a surprise gesture, Prime Minister Takaichi personally greeted President Lee at his lodging—an appearance not inc
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall Editor | President Lee Jae-myung will visit Nara, Japan, on January 13 for a summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This summit, where South Korea and Japan will discuss complex issues—past history, the economy, trade and regional security—is seen as both a catalyst for improved relations and a source of new tensions. Nara Prefecture, chosen as the venue for the summit, is the birthplace of ancient Japanese culture and a historically symbolic venue for East Asian exchange. The Korean media has called this "a crossroads between forward-looking messages and hi