Japanese media have poured praise on President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Japan, calling it 'unprecedented.' Reactions indicate that it is unusual for the South Korean leader to visit Japan before the United States, a close ally, after taking office, and that it is also rare to visit Japan in August, which includes Liberation Day. The prevailing analysis suggests this is a strategic move of 'pragmatic diplomacy' aimed at strengthening ties with Japan ahead of what is expected to be a tough meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
◇'Unprecedented August visit to Japan'… Japanese media says 'intention to reassure the U.S.'
Major Japanese media have focused on the strategic intent behind President Lee's diplomatic schedule. The conservative Sankei Shimbun analyzed that it is 'intended to reassure the U.S. by showing that even with a newly formed progressive government, we maintain our relationship with Japan, the Head of Team in East Asia.' This is interpreted as groundwork to bolster negotiating power through cooperation with Japan ahead of a summit that is expected to be challenging with President Donald Trump.
The Asahi Shimbun also assessed it as 'pragmatism prioritizing interests with Trump's administration,' while highlighting President Lee's diplomacy that values Japan. President Lee himself said in the joint press statement, 'It has significant meaning in showing how much we value Korea-Japan relations,' thus affirming the analysis of Japanese media.
There has been particular focus on the fact that a South Korean president has never visited Japan in August, a time sensitive to historical issues, since democratization. The Yomiuri Shimbun noted, 'There tends to be heightened interest in historical issues within Korea around 'Liberation Day,' which commemorates liberation from colonial rule,' but it analyzed that the visit was made with a realistic mindset.
◇Dinner featuring 'Andong jjimdak' and 'Tottori beer'… Building personal trust
The two leaders focused on building personal rapport. The meeting on the 23rd extended nearly two hours, far exceeding the scheduled time. President Lee expressed friendliness to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, saying, 'Meeting for the second time, I feel like we are very close 'friends',' and Prime Minister Ishiba responded, 'It comforts my heart.'
At dinner following their meeting, regional beer from Tottori, Prime Minister Ishiba's hometown, and the famous Andong jjimdak from President Lee's hometown were served, creating a warm atmosphere. After dinner, the two leaders' spouses engaged in a separate 20-minute conversation with only interpreters present, strengthening their friendship. NHK reported that 'the issuance of a joint document after 17 years indicates that the current issues have decreased and that relations between the two countries have stabilized,' quoting officials.
◇Ishiba makes no mention of 'reflection'… Historical issues remain unaddressed
The joint document, issued after 17 years, contains a willingness to cooperate toward the future. The two nations agreed to expand cooperation in future industries such as hydrogen and artificial intelligence (AI), and to establish a consultative body to address common social issues such as low birth rates, aging population, and concentration in the capital area. In order to increase youth exchanges, the number of working holiday visa issuances will also be increased from once to twice.
However, the issue of historical grievances remains unresolved. Prime Minister Ishiba only reaffirmed a general position, stating that he inherited 'the positions of past cabinets' including the 1998 'Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration,' which contains 'sincere reflection and heartfelt apologies.' The word 'reflection,' which he mentioned during a memorial service for the war dead on the 15th for the first time in 13 years, did not appear in the statements made during the meeting. Although President Lee suggested in a Japanese media interview to 'face the past,' it seems that Prime Minister Ishiba, mindful of conservative sentiments in Japan, did not actively respond.