Lee’s Nara Summit Marks Second Japan Visit and Third Takaichi Meeting President Lee Jae Myung travelled to Nara Prefecture for a two‑day summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, his second trip to Japan and third face‑to‑face encounter with the Japanese leader since she took office in October [1][2][3][4]. The visit is described as shuttle diplomacy intended to sustain the recent momentum in Korea‑Japan relations amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing [1][4]. Lee arrived with his wife and was greeted by Japanese officials before the talks began [1].

Agenda Centers on Trade Ban, CPTPP Bid, and Historical Reconciliation The leaders will discuss South Korea’s 2013 ban on seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures affected by the Fukushima disaster, a key issue Tokyo hopes Seoul will ease as part of support for Seoul’s accession to the CPTPP [1][2][3]. A two‑track approach will pair future‑oriented cooperation with efforts to resolve wartime history disputes, including the recovery of remains of Korean forced‑laborers from the 1942 Chosei undersea coal‑mine flood [1][3]. The itinerary also features a joint visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hōryū‑ji Temple and meetings with the Korean community in Japan [1][3].

Security Dialogue Extends to North Korea and Abduction Issue Both sides are expected to address the North Korean abduction issue, with Takaichi signalling intent to hold talks with Kim Jong‑un and Lee offering to facilitate dialogue [1][2][3]. National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac highlighted the possibility of advancing the recovery of the Chosei mine victims during the summit [1][3]. The broader security discussion will also cover regional and global challenges, reflecting the leaders’ shared interest in stability [2][4].

Broader Strategic Context Involves China Visit and Taiwan Tensions Lee’s Nara trip follows his recent state visit to China, underscoring the delicate balance Seoul seeks between Tokyo and Beijing [4]. In an NHK interview Lee stressed that Korea‑Japan ties are as important as relations with China and affirmed Seoul will not intervene in cross‑strait Taiwan disputes [1][2][4]. Takaichi’s earlier remarks on Taiwan have heightened Beijing‑Tokyo friction, adding a geopolitical layer to the bilateral talks [4].