Japan’s political climate under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is shifting towards conservatism, presenting new obstacles for its relationship with South Korea. This development raises concerns that disputes over historical and territorial issues could potentially derail the recent diplomatic cooperation between the two nations. Historically, South Korea and Japan have adopted a “two-track” strategy, which involves separating contentious historical matters from areas necessitating closer collaboration, such as security and economic relations. However, a recent report by South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy cautions that Japan’s political instability and its rightward shift could jeopardize progress in their bilateral diplomacy.
Recent events have rekindled tensions, notably the visits by Japanese politicians to the contentious Yasukuni Shrine and Japan’s revitalized territorial claim over Dokdo, an area administered by South Korea but referred to as Takeshima by Japan. Prime Minister Takaichi chose not to visit the shrine on the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender on August 15, opting instead to send a ritual offering. Despite this, several senior Japanese officials did visit the shrine, leading South Korea to issue formal protests.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has approached the situation with a balanced view. While he acknowledges the historical grievances between the two countries, he stresses the increasing importance of maintaining cooperation with Japan. This approach aims to keep the diplomatic channels open despite the underlying tensions.
Experts caution that if historical disputes, territorial disagreements, and wartime-related controversies persist, they could undermine the “two-track” approach unless both countries achieve meaningful progress while simultaneously expanding practical cooperation. It remains crucial for Japan and South Korea to navigate these complex issues carefully to sustain and build upon their diplomatic relations.