Seoul‑Tokyo Summit in Nara Advances Security, Trade, and Historical Reconciliation

Updated 2026-01-14 22:00:02+00:00 (24 articles)

Second Nara Summit Reinforces Shuttle Diplomacy President Lee Jae Myung met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara on Jan 13, marking their second summit within three months and Lee’s fifth meeting with a Japanese premier since taking office [1][2][3]. Both leaders framed the talks as “shuttle diplomacy,” pledging reciprocal leader‑level visits to sustain momentum [1][2]. The summit followed Lee’s earlier meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring Seoul’s effort to balance ties with both Beijing and Tokyo [1].

Security Agenda Focuses on Denuclearization and Trilateral Cooperation The two sides reaffirmed a joint commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and discussed mechanisms for Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing to find common ground on regional security [1][2][5]. Lee told Xi that Japan‑South Korea ties are as important as China ties, positioning Seoul as an intermediary in Sino‑Japanese friction over rare‑earth exports and Taiwan remarks [1]. North Korean drone incursions were cited as a reminder of lingering tensions, yet both leaders expressed optimism for dialogue [4].

Economic Talks Target CPTPP Membership and Seafood Ban Issues Seoul reiterated its bid to join the 12‑member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership, led by Japan, while seeking progress on lifting South Korea’s ban on Japanese seafood imports linked to Fukushima health concerns [2][3][5]. Tokyo explained its food‑safety stance and agreed to continue working‑level consultations [2][3]. Both parties highlighted the need for secure supply‑chain cooperation and broader economic integration [1].

Humanitarian Cooperation Addresses Chosei Mine Disaster Remains Leaders agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains recovered from the 1942 Chosei undersea coal‑mine flood in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced‑laborers [1][2][3][5]. The humanitarian initiative was presented as a separate track from historical disputes, emphasizing forward‑looking collaboration [1].

Cultural Visits Build Personal Rapport Between Leaders Lee and Takaichi shared an impromptu drum session, exchanged gifts, and toured the UNESCO World Heritage Horyu‑ji Temple, a site historically linked to the Korean Baekje kingdom [2][3][5]. The cultural exchange was highlighted as a confidence‑building measure complementing the formal agenda [2].