Japan’s political landscape under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is veering towards a more conservative stance, presenting new hurdles for the country’s relationship with South Korea. Concerns are mounting that longstanding historical and territorial issues might disrupt the recent diplomatic progress between the two nations. Historically, South Korea and Japan have adopted a “two-track” approach, separating contentious historical matters from sectors where cooperation is vital, such as security and economic ties. However, a recent report by South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy has highlighted that Japan’s growing conservative shift could threaten the stability of their bilateral diplomacy.
Recent events have reignited tensions, notably surrounding visits by Japanese politicians to the contentious Yasukuni Shrine and Japan’s renewed assertion of territorial claims over the Dokdo islets, known as Takeshima in Japan, which are currently under South Korean control. While Prime Minister Takaichi refrained from visiting the shrine on the August 15 anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, she did send a ritual offering. This act, alongside visits from several senior Japanese officials, has prompted formal protests from South Korea, underscoring the sensitivity of these historical grievances.
In response to these developments, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has taken a deliberate and balanced stance. He has acknowledged the historical grievances that exist between the two countries while emphasizing the importance of maintaining and enhancing cooperation with Japan. This approach highlights the strategic significance of the relationship, despite the underlying historical tensions.
Experts caution that ongoing disputes centering on historical issues, territorial claims, and wartime controversies could jeopardize the effectiveness of the “two-track” strategy unless both nations manage to produce tangible diplomatic progress. They stress that expanding practical cooperation is crucial to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that the relationship between South Korea and Japan continues to evolve positively.