The Japanese media evaluated the results of the Korea-Japan summit on the 7th generally positively. As ‘shuttle diplomacy’ was restored, it was expected that the improvement of Korea-Japan relations would deepen in the future.
In an editorial published on the 8th, the Asahi Shimbun evaluated, “Shuttle diplomacy between the heads of Korea and Japan has returned to the original trajectory after 12 years.”
◆Asahi “Restoration of shuttle diplomacy in return for Kishida is a wise choice”
The newspaper reported, “We hope that this valuable exchange will serve as a permanent framework contributing to the stability of the international order as well as resolving various pending issues arising from neighboring countries.”
Also, referring to Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Korea less than two months after President Yoon’s visit to Japan, “There were voices from the Japanese government and the LDP that were cautious about the Prime Minister’s visit to Korea early, but Kishida himself showed enthusiasm in return and made it a reality. Judgment,” he said.
◆Nikkei “Speed Diplomacy… Thanks to the attitude of President Yoon Seok-yeol”
Regarding Korea’s agreement to dispatch an expert inspection team to the site in connection with the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, “Japan’s sincere response to public opinion in South Korea, which is adding to anxiety in terms of health and safety, is expected to loosen the fence between the two countries.” predicted.
Regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol’s invitation to the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Asahi said, “Opportunities for leaders to meet face-to-face will continue to increase in the future,” and emphasized that “the flow of shuttle diplomacy leading the improvement by holding hands with each other should not be stopped.”
In an editorial, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun pointed out, “The visit of the leaders in less than two months from the meeting held in Tokyo can be evaluated as leading to the cultivation of trust.”
Nihon Keizai also mentioned Prime Minister Kishida’s invitation of President Yoon to the summit of seven major countries (G7 summit) held in Hiroshima, saying, “This sense of speed (speed) should be noted.” He pointed out that it is thanks to President Yoon’s attitude not to revive the past, saying that promoting future-oriented cooperative relations is a great benefit to the people.”
◆Inspection of contaminated water in Fukushima: “It is desirable to resolve mutual distrust”
Regarding the decision to accept the local inspection team of Korean experts regarding the plan to release treated (contaminated water) from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, he said, “Korea has a high interest in treated water from the perspective of food safety, so the two leaders were able to reach an agreement on progress.” “It would be desirable if we could resolve mutual distrust while building various cooperation,” he said.
Nihon Keizai said, “The weight of summit diplomacy is especially great in Korea-Japan relations, where complex public sentiment is entangled. There are not a few cases where Korea-Japan relations have deteriorated due to mutual distrust between the heads of state over historical issues or North Korea policy.” ” he ordered.
◆Yomiuri “The shuttle restoration is the result of President Yoon’s promotion of improving relations with Japan”
The Yomiuri Shimbun drew attention by evaluating the resumption of shuttle diplomacy between Korea and Japan after 12 years as an achievement of President Yoon’s active diplomacy.
Yomiuri reported, “The meeting on the 7th, when shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of Korea and Japan began in earnest, can be said to be the result of the improvement of relations with Japan that South Korean President Seok-Yeol Yoon has been actively promoting.” did.
He continued, “However, it is difficult to see that ‘Yun’s diplomacy’ is leading to an increase in support for him at this point.” As South Korea is being criticized by others for making concessions unilaterally, the challenge in the future is how much the public’s understanding of improving Japan-Japan relations will broaden,” he pointed out.
The Sankei Shimbun gave a positive evaluation, saying, “The two leaders’ mutual visits to shuttle diplomacy in a short period of time served as an opportunity to show improvement in Korea-Japan relations.” It is clear,” he added with a somewhat pessimistic outlook.
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.