Japan-Korea Parliamentary Federation Secretary-General, Representative Takeda
“I respect the decision of the President… win-win for each other
It is natural for Korea to fulfill the promise made between the two countries
Japan should do what it can for Korea.”
Japanese bipartisan parliament
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In an interview with the Dong-A Ilbo on the 6th, Ryota Takeda (55), a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, who is the secretary general of the Japanese-Korean Parliamentarians’ League, said, “This year, which marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration of Kim Dae-jung and Obuchi that Korea-Japan relations were the best, I am determined to create an era beyond that. There is,” he said. This means that the Japanese National Assembly will play an active role in establishing relations between Korea and Japan, which have been on the normal track since President Yoon Seok-yeol’s visit to Japan.
In response to the question of whether Japan would make more efforts in line with Korea’s movement, he said, “We should do what we can,” but “I think the Korean side should keep the problems and promises that have already been resolved.” It is in line with the Japanese government’s position that pending issues were resolved through the 1965 Korea-Japan Claims Settlement Agreement and the 2015 Comfort Women Agreement. The secretary-general of the Korea-Japan-Korea Alliance, which Rep. Takeda served as, is considered a window that plays a key role in exchanges between the two countries’ parliaments. Here are the main questions and answers.
―What are your thoughts on President Yoon’s visit to Japan?
“As Korea’s top leader, I want to pay homage to the decision I made. President Yoon’s visit to Japan despite difficult circumstances shows that he recognized the importance of Korea-Japan relations. Considering regional stability, peace, and economic prosperity, both countries can achieve a win-win situation.”
―In the Korean opposition, there are loud voices protesting that it is humiliating diplomacy.
“Dissent to political decisions is an accompaniment in democracies. (What did President Yoon do?
There is also criticism) Then I want to say what the Moon Jae-in regime did. It is important that the two countries work closely together and pursue stability while the United States works together. In that respect, I don’t think President Yoon’s decision this time is by any means a wrong decision.”
―In Korea, there is an expectation that Japan will try harder.
“Japan should do what it can for Korea. However, I think it is natural for Korea to fulfill the promises made between the two countries. Even if there are problems to be solved, Korea must keep the problems and promises that have already been resolved. The Korean opposition party is criticizing the solution to the conscription issue (President Yoon’s decision), but in fact, isn’t it an idea that the opposition party came up with first?”
―If Prime Minister Kishida visits Korea, will there be any progress?
“The government will decide, but if we talk openly about it frequently, wouldn’t a solution come naturally? I think it is important to carry out shuttle diplomacy because the problem cannot be left unattended.”
―The Korean public is very concerned about the Fukushima discharge issue.
“The health and safety of the Korean people must be clearly considered. That is why international experts from 11 countries, including officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are conducting verification and inspection, including Korean experts. Please judge based on scientific criteria. During the Moon Jae-in administration, former Foreign Minister Eui-yong Eui-yong said, “If we follow the procedures according to IAEA standards, we will respond appropriately.” I think that’s right.”
On April 19, 2021, when asked about the position on the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima in a government inquiry at the National Assembly, former Minister Chung said, “If you follow the proper procedure that meets the IAEA standards, you have nothing to object to.”
―Will there be any tangible results from improving Korea-Japan relations?
“For example, in the semiconductor field, Japan and Korea have the power to achieve greater progress through cooperation. The word “future-oriented relationship” is used a lot these days, but it’s important not to stop at a slogan, but to make concrete progress for the future. We need to create a soil that will provide the people of both countries with opportunities for various exchanges, such as exchanges between local cities, exchanges of human resources, and vitalization of studying abroad.”
―What is the opinion of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, the new president of the Korea-Japan-Korea Federation?
“I am fully aware that Korea is a very important country to Japan. I have very high expectations. I definitely want to visit Korea as soon as it is coordinated with Korea.”
―Is there anything you want to say to the Korean people?
“President Yoon has never conducted humiliating diplomacy. He wants you to understand that cooperation between Korea and Japan leads to the common national interest of Japan and Korea. I want to work hard so that Korea can become a country loved by Japanese children, and Japan can become a country loved by Korean children.”
Representative Ryota Takeda (55)
△Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1968 △Faculty of Literature at Waseda University △First elected in 2003 (7th House of Representatives) △Prime Minister, National Public Safety Commission, etc.
Tokyo =
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.