The strained relationship is mainly due to the violent Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula between 1910 and 1945. Kishida said on Sunday that her “heart is crying” because many people were having a hard time at the time. The countries are also still in conflict over a number of territorial issues.
Return
According to the Korean president, Kishida’s visit is proof that regular state visits and talks between countries are back. President Yoon himself visited Tokyo in March. He stressed that cooperation is important not only for the two countries, but also for the rest of the world “in light of the current serious international situation”.
The United States is also pleased with the cooperation, because it allows countries to better deal with the nuclear threat from North Korea. This way they can also deal better with China.
G7
At the G7 summit later this month, Asian countries want to talk to the United States. The United States provides important support to South Korea’s defense against its northern neighbors. Joint military exercises between the United States, South Korea and Japan are also planned for the end of the year.