The Mainichi Shimbun reported on the 10th that a plan is being coordinated for President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to hold a summit around the 13th–14th of next month in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
According to The Mainichi report citing multiple diplomatic sources, the South Korean and Japanese governments are considering having the two leaders hold talks and attend a dinner in Nara, Nara Prefecture. This would be Lee's first trip to Japan since Takaichi took office as prime minister.
Nara Prefecture, where the summit is being discussed, is Takaichi's hometown and constituency, and Nara is the prefecture's central city and a former capital of Japan. Today, it is considered an ancient capital alongside Kyoto.
The Mainichi said the venue under consideration is Todai-ji, a historic temple famous for its Great Buddha, a colossal statue. Todai-ji was founded in the Nara period (710–794) and also has deep ties to immigrants from Baekje on the Korean Peninsula.
Earlier, on Oct. 30, after holding his first summit with Takaichi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, Lee said at a press conference, "Under the spirit of shuttle diplomacy, I should visit Japan next, and if possible, I suggested going to Nara Prefecture. She was very pleased to agree."
Furthermore, there is talk of the two leaders visiting and laying flowers near Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara, where former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and killed during a campaign speech in 2022.
The Mainichi said, "Holding (the summit) in a regional area allows for a more intimate atmosphere because ceremonial events are omitted," adding, "With relations with China deteriorating, Japan aims to reaffirm cooperation with its neighbor, South Korea, and maintain the momentum of improving bilateral ties."