Japan and South Korea work to Improve Relations

[Aepsilons]

Masuzoe, Park talk to improve relationship

South Korean President Park Geun-hye, right, shakes hands with Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe before their meeting at the Blue House in Seoul on Friday.


SEOUL—South Korean President Park Geun-hye called for efforts by Japan to resolve the so-called comfort women issue during talks with visiting Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe at the Blue House on Friday.
Masuzoe conveyed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s message that Japan wants to improve the relationship between the two countries, and Park reiterated her position that ensuring a correct perception of past history is the first step toward building friendly ties.

At the beginning of the meeting, Park told Masuzoe that she thinks it is unfortunate that the two countries are in a politically difficult situation, and that the feelings of their people seem to be moving far apart.

“I’d like to ask you to work so that the two countries can develop the bilateral relationship while sharing a correct perception of past history,” she said.

Referring to the so-called comfort women issue, Park said it is “not only a matter between the two countries, but also a matter related to universal human rights. I think it can be resolved through [Japan’s] sincere efforts.”

Masuzoe offered condolences over the sinking of the Sewol ferry and conveyed a message he received verbally from Abe that Japan wants to improve Japan-South Korea relations.

At a press conference after the meeting with Park, Masuzoe did not reveal the response he received to Abe’s message, saying, “I’ll directly relay [Park’s response] to the prime minister.”

At a press conference Friday morning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Abe asked Masuzoe when they met on July 17 to advise South Korea that Abe wishes to hold a summit meeting with Park. “He [the prime minister] said his door is always open for dialogue and that he wants to have talks because there are obstacles” between the two countries, Suga said.

“Japan and South Korea share the same sense of values and are extremely important neighbors,” Suga said. “It is extremely important to communicate at various levels.”

Abe has been saying he is positive about securing summit talks with Park. When Abe met a group of representatives of the South Korean media on July 17, he told them, “Because there are difficult problems, we should exchange opinions in an open manner.” Also, when Abe met a group of South Korean lawmakers at the Prime Minister’s Office on May 15, he said, “It is vital to persist with dialogue.”



Masuzoe, Park talk to improve relationship - The Japan News



@Aegis DDG , @Red Mahura , @sEoulman556 , awesome news, me-thinks!

 

[Kiss_of_the_Dragon]

It's just a talk for talk business, Japan will never be able to really improve relation with Korea or China until the pass issues being solved once for all. Beside economic relation, there is no tangible as cultural or political progress since the establishment of diplomatic relation. Anyway my best wish for Japan-Korea talk to improve relationship, maybe then we Chineses can learn something out of it.

 

[dr.knowhow]

It is an actual truth that Japan has already paid their reparations and maid their apologies and statements like Kono statement of 1993, about the colonization of Korean peninsula during imperial Japan. Even though,due to thoughts of Korean people which are negative about Japan has been deeply embedded since their liberation and also they were really emotional, not cool-headed and rational about any kind of Japan-related events or Japan itself.

Also for Japanese government, they started their campaign saying 'Dokdo(Takeshima) is owned by Japan' (There was a fatuitous event regarding this, when KAL got their first delivery of A380, they have conducted the demonstration flight of A380 until Dokdo for marketing before its official service. After this event, Japan has complaint to Korea that KAL's A380 has violated the airspace of Japan. Afterwards, several Japanese council members tried to visit Ulleungdo but their entry request has been rejected. Also, Japan has changed their law that in case of emergency, Japan will deploy JSDF on Dokdo.) and also their worshiping in Yaskuni Jinja thus several statements which are opposite to Kono Statement.

Also for Korean Government, their were also several actions (can't remember all of them but I know there were also several fatuous events conducted by Korean government. Sorry about that as Korean ) taken which can't be regarded as 'smart move, for example, Lee Myung-bak's statement in front of media, saying 'Japanese king (the Tenno) should apologize to Korea if he will to come to Korea' (Sorry, I don't remember the actual statement which the actual statement was much rude and nonsense-like).

So what's my point? The point is that both governments have already done foolish and ridiculous actions several time and now I'm glad to see that they are trying to stop this. We can't just simply blame Korea or Japan for our bad relationships but both of us are guilty about it.

 

[Aepsilons]

It is an actual truth that Japan has already paid their reparations and maid their apologies and statements like Kono statement of 1993, about the colonization of Korean peninsula during imperial Japan. Even though,due to thoughts of Korean people which are negative about Japan has been deeply embedded since their liberation and also they were really emotional, not cool-headed and rational about any kind of Japan-related events or Japan itself.

Also for Japanese government, they started their campaign saying 'Dokdo(Takeshima) is owned by Japan' (There was a fatuitous event regarding this, when KAL got their first delivery of A380, they have conducted the demonstration flight of A380 until Dokdo for marketing before its official service. After this event, Japan has complaint to Korea that KAL's A380 has violated the airspace of Japan. Afterwards, several Japanese council members tried to visit Ulleungdo but their entry request has been rejected. Also, Japan has changed their law that in case of emergency, Japan will deploy JSDF on Dokdo.) and also their worshiping in Yaskuni Jinja thus several statements which are opposite to Kono Statement.

Also for Korean Government, their were also several actions (can't remember all of them but I know there were also several fatuous events conducted by Korean government. Sorry about that as Korean ) taken which can't be regarded as 'smart move, for example, Lee Myung-bak's statement in front of media, saying 'Japanese king (the Tenno) should apologize to Korea if he will to come to Korea' (Sorry, I don't remember the actual statement which the actual statement was much rude and nonsense-like).

So what's my point? The point is that both governments have already done foolish and ridiculous actions several time and now I'm glad to see that they are trying to stop this. We can't just simply blame Korea or Japan for our bad relationships but both of us are guilty about it.

Astounding ! Thank You, my friend. And I share your sentiment that Both South Korea and Japan need to work together to forge a closer, more amicable friendship and partnership.

 

[dr.knowhow]

Astounding ! Thank You, my friend. And I share your sentiment that Both South Korea and Japan need to work together to forge a closer, more amicable friendship and partnership.

I can say that the better relationship between S.Korea and Japan is not a choice but compulsory action to survive in near future, especially to counter groeing China. Yes, the history between Japan and Korea was cruel, though we cannot keep this until the apocalypse of the world, but should become like current Germany and UK ; even thoguh there is lot more hardness to become this way.

 

[Kiss_of_the_Dragon]

I can say that the better relationship between S.Korea and Japan is not a choice but compulsory action to survive in near future, especially to counter groeing China. Yes, the history between Japan and Korea was cruel, though we cannot keep this until the apocalypse of the world, but should become like current Germany and UK ; even thoguh there is lot more hardness to become this way.

If you think that it's a compulsory action to survive especially to counter growing China than you just got a false sense of security.

 

[Aegis DDG]

To be honest, I see South Korea is getting closer to PRC than previously anticipated. Japan's recent rearmament and the election of Shinzo Abe hit some nerves among the conservatives in Korea, esp. among the Park's administration members who actually have people who remember the Japanese occupation, chaos of the Korean war, partition and Anti-Japanese populism of the 70s and 80s (Japan's economic boom time). Just like How Germany is getting an bit too close to Russia economically and politically for an central NATO member these days (esp. with the NSA scandal and financial despite over Gold reserves with the USA), such an taboo relationship is comparable for an US alley like S.Korea and PRC China. Ever since the days of the Han Dynasty, China sought to either get Korea on it's side and gain support of China against Nomadic/Hun/Turkic/Mongol/Manchu attacks or an Japanese Invasions on Korea as an reward for allying with China and paying Tribute, or face an divided Korea like the Tang Dynasty era to prevent an Uppity ' Goguryeo' style powerful Korea. North and central region usually a Chinese vessel state.

One thing both Japan and China have common ground on is to prevent Korea from Getting too powerful and big for either nations to control. It's once the Reasons why Japan, despite being an South Korean backer on the N/S divide issue, is not so enthusiastic about an Korean Unification. China want an buffer state between outside the Yalu river plains and would not tolerate N.Chinese border having Adversaries or mere rivals having an military base in the region. China unfortunately has an upper hand on the Korean issue over Japan. Historic precedent along provides the answer. China holds the Cards on Korea because it's an either Divided Korea or an Pro-Chinese unified Korea with South Korean administration. I mean if someone like Park, an benefactor of western support and usually anti-communist, can be hostile to Japan mildly yet say little about China and even state pro-PRC views, then I say Korea has chosen her fate long ago. I'm sorry but I just don't see S.Korea and Japan allying against an resurgent China anytime soon. @Nihonjin1051 Japan must depend on herself only in my opinion, stupid alliances in NE Asia will only drag her down. Philippines and Vietnam are better and loyal allies in my opinion.

 

[dr.knowhow]

@Kiss_of_the_Dragon

I'm sorry if my post offended you or other Chinese users, though it is truth that China is also a potential enemy of Korea and foremost, Japan. I can see that recently China and Korea are getting way closer than before politically and economically, 习近平·習近平主席's visit to Korea was thankful and also remarkable which Korea and China discussed about Korea-China FTA and the e unification of Korean peninsula. Though still China was the one that crossed the Amrok River and due to that, the unification of Korea has died on the vine. Also in present, they are still one of the most biggest disturbance of unification. Also the Northeast Project of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is ongoing, which the aim of this project is to claim that Goguryeo, the most glorious period of Korean history, is Chinese history and that is nonsense. Also they are not controlling their fishermen, about several hundreds violating the Korean territorial waters. We've dealt with them very humanely even though they've violated the territory of ours and due to that, several years ago, a Korean coast guard has been killed by one of these Chinese fisherman and we the Koreans felt the extreme anger and rage. Also Chinese government didn't even apologized and vast people of China including their media denounced Korea even and mocked the Korean coast guard who has been killed, though they are the criminals and we are the victims.
In the contrary, Japan is currently being anti-Korea, though we are still semi alliance do to USA and as far as USA keep its power, there is very low possibilities of war between Korea and Japan.

Just, simply think about the reaction of China against the deployment of THAAD in Korea. That isn't a reaction of the close friend.

 

[Aepsilons]

@Aegis DDG and @Red Mahura ,

Thank you for your very in depth analysis and point(s) of view. I will provide my response later tonight after a review of the political environment. Let me state that both of you made very sound point(s).


Arigadou gozaimasu / Kam sa hamnida.

 

[Kiss_of_the_Dragon]

@Kiss_of_the_Dragon

I'm sorry if my post offended you or other Chinese users, though it is truth that China is also a potential enemy of Korea and foremost, Japan. I can see that recently China and Korea are getting way closer than before politically and economically, 习近平·習近平主席's visit to Korea was thankful and also remarkable which Korea and China discussed about Korea-China FTA and the e unification of Korean peninsula. Though still China was the one that crossed the Amrok River and due to that, the unification of Korea has died on the vine. Also in present, they are still one of the most biggest disturbance of unification. Also the Northeast Project of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences is ongoing, which the aim of this project is to claim that Goguryeo, the most glorious period of Korean history, is Chinese history and that is nonsense. Also they are not controlling their fishermen, about several hundreds violating the Korean territorial waters. We've dealt with them very humanely even though they've violated the territory of ours and due to that, several years ago, a Korean coast guard has been killed by one of these Chinese fisherman and we the Koreans felt the extreme anger and rage. Also Chinese government didn't even apologized and vast people of China including their media denounced Korea even and mocked the Korean coast guard who has been killed, though they are the criminals and we are the victims.
In the contrary, Japan is currently being anti-Korea, though we are still semi alliance do to USA and as far as USA keep its power, there is very low possibilities of war between Korea and Japan.

Just, simply think about the reaction of China against the deployment of THAAD in Korea. That isn't a reaction of the close friend.

It had nothing to do with China, blame US, North korea was almost completed the reunification and it was U.S who ruined everything: If you guys are really want to united, simple ask South Korea gorvernment to do the concession, renounce the power and let North Korea to take over than you guys will fullfill your wish..how about that?

About Goguryeo, you can't possible be serious to claim that it's your history, I dont want to go over about this, you can surf youtube, there is plenty debate over this subject. As for THAAD, South Korea just allows U.S to set up an anti-missile shield against China and you expect us to be nice with you? you guys are just not realistic.

 

[Aepsilons]

Tokyo gov. says Abe aims to improve ties

President Park Geun-hye on Friday had a rare meeting with Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe at Cheong Wa Dae amid strained diplomatic ties between the two countries on account of territorial and historical feuds.

During the meeting, Masuzoe delivered a message by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he would make efforts to improve the relations between the two countries.

The governor told Park that Abe had stressed the importance of building future-oriented bilateral ties in a recent meeting before he left for Seoul. The Japanese prime minister also requested that Masuzoe inform the South Korean president that he would “make efforts for the improvement of Korea-Japan ties.”


Masuzoe was the first Japanese politician the South Korean president has met since taking office in February last year. The Japanese mayor had wanted to pay a courtesy call to Park during his visit to Seoul this week, officials said.

The diplomatic relationship between Korea and Japan was further strained after Japan’s review of the Kono Statement last month concluded that it was the product of extensive negotiations between Seoul and Tokyo. The move was seen as an attempt by Japan to undermine its past apologies.

The 1994 statement acknowledges and apologizes for Japan’s sexual enslavement of women during World War II. But some right-wing politicians, led by Prime Minister Abe, deny that the comfort woman system involved coercion.

Park highlighted that the relationship between Korea and Japan has worsened recently, particularly due to inappropriate remarks by politicians.

“Politicians’ improper speeches have added difficulties in bilateral relations, especially on historical issues,” Park told Masuzoe.

Park also urged Japan to resolve the issue of its wartime sexual enslavement of Asian women through “sincere efforts.”

“The issue of military comfort women is not only a bilateral one but also a universal issue related to women’s human rights,” said Park.

“I am expecting to see the issue get resolved through (Japan’s) sincere efforts,” she added.

The meeting came a day after the U.N.’s human rights panel urged Japan to accept the criticism for forcing women into sexual slavery and to concede to the international demand for an independent probe into the issue.

“We want Japan to make the kind of statement that the families, the women themselves, the few who are still surviving, can recognize as an unambiguous, uninhibited acceptance of total responsibility,” said Nigel Rodley, head of the U.N. Human Rights Committee.

Tokyo gov. says Abe aims to improve ties

 

[Musafir117]

Let's Waite and see till next Yasukuni Shrine visit by PN Japan may be Dec 2014 and it's spark a firestorm of criticism in neighbor countries.

 

[dr.knowhow]

It had nothing to do with China, blame US, North korea was almost completed the reunification and it was U.S who ruined everything: If you guys are really want to united, simple ask South Korea gorvernment to do the concession, renounce the power and let North Korea to take over than you guys will fullfill your wish..how about that?

About Goguryeo, you can't possible be serious to claim that it's your history, I dont want to go over about this, you can surf youtube, there is plenty debate over this subject. As for THAAD, South Korea just allows U.S to set up an anti-missile shield against China and you expect us to be nice with you? you guys are just not realistic.

First of all, when N.Korea have taken the peninsula, it would have been a hell gate opening for 70000000 people and all Koreans thanks US and UN for its help. What China concern about this matter is that they want a buffer zone between them and US, just like as old USSR. And our wish is not to get below the goddamn piggy in the north but to gain peaceful reunification just just like old Germany. Even if there is an invasion of N.Korea, it will be their huge mistake to do so, and Jung Un knows that it is better not to do so, if he wants to survive.

 

[Aepsilons]

To be honest, I see South Korea is getting closer to PRC than previously anticipated. Japan's recent rearmament and the election of Shinzo Abe hit some nerves among the conservatives in Korea, esp. among the Park's administration members who actually have people who remember the Japanese occupation, chaos of the Korean war, partition and Anti-Japanese populism of the 70s and 80s (Japan's economic boom time). Just like How Germany is getting an bit too close to Russia economically and politically for an central NATO member these days (esp. with the NSA scandal and financial despite over Gold reserves with the USA), such an taboo relationship is comparable for an US alley like S.Korea and PRC China. Ever since the days of the Han Dynasty, China sought to either get Korea on it's side and gain support of China against Nomadic/Hun/Turkic/Mongol/Manchu attacks or an Japanese Invasions on Korea as an reward for allying with China and paying Tribute, or face an divided Korea like the Tang Dynasty era to prevent an Uppity ' Goguryeo' style powerful Korea. North and central region usually a Chinese vessel state.

One thing both Japan and China have common ground on is to prevent Korea from Getting too powerful and big for either nations to control. It's once the Reasons why Japan, despite being an South Korean backer on the N/S divide issue, is not so enthusiastic about an Korean Unification. China want an buffer state between outside the Yalu river plains and would not tolerate N.Chinese border having Adversaries or mere rivals having an military base in the region. China unfortunately has an upper hand on the Korean issue over Japan. Historic precedent along provides the answer. China holds the Cards on Korea because it's an either Divided Korea or an Pro-Chinese unified Korea with South Korean administration. I mean if someone like Park, an benefactor of western support and usually anti-communist, can be hostile to Japan mildly yet say little about China and even state pro-PRC views, then I say Korea has chosen her fate long ago. I'm sorry but I just don't see S.Korea and Japan allying against an resurgent China anytime soon. @Nihonjin1051 Japan must depend on herself only in my opinion, stupid alliances in NE Asia will only drag her down. Philippines and Vietnam are better and loyal allies in my opinion.

@Aegis DDG ,

A very interesting perspective on the historical relations Kankuko (Korea) has has had with Chuguko (China). Yes, you are right that there are present differences that remain a barrier for both South Korea and Japan. To be quite honest, in regards to the Comfort Women, I just wish our government just made proper compensation for them, and remain true to the spirit of the Kano Agreement. In a spirit of good will between Japan and Korea, monetary compensation, and legal restitution should be made.

As for Korea's situation with China; they both have a very vibrant economic relationship, Korea depends much on China for production of their export brands, as well as relies on Chinese steel and other key resources. Theirs is a dichotomous relationship. In one side, they are economic partners, the other indicates geopolitical and military issues. South Korea's greatest threat is North Korea, which is practically a vassal of China.

Japan and South Korea have the potential to be regional partners , and geopolitical allies. I am in the position that both countries have not yet look into the idea -- or have not made enough effort -- to realize this. Once historical issues are addressed and solved, there is no reason why both South Korea and Japan cannot be partners for peace and change.

 

[Aegis DDG]

@Aegis DDG ,

A very interesting perspective on the historical relations Kankuko (Korea) has has had with Chuguko (China). Yes, you are right that there are present differences that remain a barrier for both South Korea and Japan. To be quite honest, in regards to the Comfort Women, I just wish our government just made proper compensation for them, and remain true to the spirit of the Kano Agreement. In a spirit of good will between Japan and Korea, monetary compensation, and legal restitution should be made.

As for Korea's situation with China; they both have a very vibrant economic relationship, Korea depends much on China for production of their export brands, as well as relies on Chinese steel and other key resources. Theirs is a dichotomous relationship. In one side, they are economic partners, the other indicates geopolitical and military issues. South Korea's greatest threat is North Korea, which is practically a vassal of China.

Japan and South Korea have the potential to be regional partners , and geopolitical allies. I am in the position that both countries have not yet look into the idea -- or have not made enough effort -- to realize this. Once historical issues are addressed and solved, there is no reason why both South Korea and Japan cannot be partners for peace and change.

The thing is that, despite N.Korea being an Chinese vessel state, it seems to be more an headache as much as it is an asset as an bargaining chip against the South. The Chinese and even the PRC leadership hate the North and DPRK recently killed high ranking generals and politicians like the 'Great' leaders own uncle who represented Chinese interest. And like any Korean nationalist, they claimed parts of Manchuria as part of Korea. If S.Korea hated China more than Japan then their leaders would be moaning ten times as much to the PRC as opposed to Japan but instead we see the opposite despite Japan apologizing and giving literally billion of dollars of reconstruction machinery to the South Korea for Free or lower cost as reparation during the 60s,70s and early 80s. We gave them more than 'monetary compensation', Japan gave SK ENTIRE (literally ENTIRE) blueprints on civilian technology on the likes of semiconductors, auto-industries, infrastructure and shipbuilding technology which allowed Korea to export and gain capital. Funny how little Korea made the issue of Chinese military modernization yet makes diplomatic statements about Abe's amendment to Article 9 by bringing up random statements about Japanese colonization and aggression. And South Korea has little dispute with China other than fishing trawlers ending up to their West Coast. But look how nuts the Takeshima situation is despite Chinese encroachment. And about the NK issue, it's just an sideshow even for the USA. Since the 1990s, NK has been just hot air with very few military threats to the SK forces and US Pacific command other than possible nuclear threats (which China would not tolerate because, as I said before, the NK would act outside PRC's jurisdictions given the chance). US army command wants boots in the region of NEA to keep an good on Chinese expansion as well increasing base in the Asia Pacific for Marines and Navy forces. And see how the US blocked SK civilian space programs like creating launch systems while allows JAXA to continue unmolested? While the Average S.Korean see the US as an create ally, they would rather have an Moderate China to an resurgent Japan. US is miles always and may one day decline while China is here to stay, where their it's an poor developing nation or the World's largest economy.
Ask the Chinese members @Chinese-Dragon @ChineseTiger1986