In a notable diplomatic milestone, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi convened for their first summit meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum held in Gyeongju, a historic city in southeastern South Korea. This summit marks the beginning of direct high-level talks between the two leaders shortly after Takaichi’s inauguration as Japan’s first female prime minister, signaling an important moment for bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.
Takaichi’s visit to South Korea, spanning three days, has drawn significant attention from international observers and regional experts alike. The discussions between Seoul and Tokyo are widely viewed as a critical indicator of the trajectory of their bilateral relationship, which had seen considerable improvement under Takaichi’s predecessors. However, her election has introduced a degree of uncertainty due to her well-known hawkish positions on historical issues, particularly those related to Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. These historical wounds continue to influence diplomatic ties, making the summit a pivotal opportunity for both leaders to navigate complex sentiments and work toward constructive engagement.
Prime Minister Takaichi arrived at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, a major port city in southeastern South Korea, early in the afternoon after departing from Tokyo. Her visit was marked by gestures aimed at easing tensions and fostering goodwill. At a press conference on the day of her inauguration, Takaichi emphasized South Korea as a key partner and expressed her appreciation for aspects of Korean culture, including seaweed and popular Korean dramas. These remarks were interpreted as a diplomatic effort to soften Seoul’s apprehensions about her leadership and policy outlook.
One of the most closely watched aspects of Takaichi’s visit was her decision to avoid visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead including convicted war criminals from World War II, has long been a point of contention with South Korea and China, countries that view it as a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past and imperial aggression. Instead of a personal visit, Takaichi had sent an offering to the shrine during its recent fall festival shortly before her election, a move signaling a more cautious approach to this sensitive issue.
South Korean President Lee responded promptly to Takaichi’s election by sending a congratulatory message, expressing optimism about the potential for “future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two nations. This message underscored a shared interest in building a partnership focused on forward-looking collaboration rather than dwelling solely on historical grievances.
During her stay for the APEC summit, Takaichi is scheduled to participate actively in the main Economic Leaders’ Meeting, set for Friday and Saturday. The agenda includes discussions on critical topics such as trade and investment, as well as emerging challenges that affect the entire Asia-Pacific region. These challenges notably include advancements in artificial intelligence and demographic shifts, both of which are expected to have profound economic and social impacts. By engaging in these multilateral talks, Takaichi aims to position Japan as a proactive player in addressing regional and global issues alongside other world leaders.
In addition to her bilateral meeting with President Lee, Takaichi is expected to hold summit talks with other heads of state to exchange views on various aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations. Of particular interest is her planned first summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled on the sidelines of the APEC gathering. This meeting is especially significant given Takaichi’s hard-line stance on China, reflecting a complex balancing act in Japan’s foreign policy as it navigates relations with both its regional neighbors and global powers.
The historical context underpinning Seoul-Tokyo relations adds layers of complexity to these diplomatic engagements. Japan’s colonial rule over Korea remains a deeply sensitive topic, with unresolved issues such as wartime labor and “comfort women” continuing to stir controversy. While recent Japanese administrations have made efforts to improve ties through economic cooperation and dialogue, nationalist sentiments and differing historical narratives often complicate reconciliation efforts. Takaichi’s tenure as prime minister thus represents a crucial test case for whether Japan and South Korea can maintain and further the progress achieved in recent years despite divergent political perspectives.
Takaichi’s visit and the summit with President Lee also come at a time when regional cooperation is increasingly vital due to shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific. The APEC forum itself serves as a platform for fostering economic integration and addressing transnational challenges among member economies. The participation of