We spoke with Professor Junya Nishino of Keio University, who is familiar with Japan-ROK relations, about the outcome of the Japan-ROK summit meeting.

"Evaluations may be divided."

Q. How did you view the joint press conference held after the Japan-ROK summit meeting?

A. In relation to the issue of "requisition" during the Pacific War, Prime Minister Kishida's remarks on the people who were suffering and sad at the time were very important. In South Korea, it was expected that there would probably be no positive or in-depth remarks during Prime Minister Kishida's visit this time, so I think that the fact that he made more in-depth remarks than expected was worthy of praise in Korean society.

In addition, visiting the Korean Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb in Peace Park with President Yoon Sung-yeol on the occasion of the G7 Hiroshima Summit was a decision that fully understood the thoughts of the Korean people.

In addition, the decision to accept an inspection team from South Korea over the plan to release treated water accumulated at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station was also very meaningful in response to President Yoon's efforts to improve Japan-South Korea relations.

However, since Korean society is now polarized, I think there is a good possibility that the evaluation of Prime Minister Kishida's visit to the ROK and his remarks will be divided.

Keio University Professor Junya Nishino

"I strongly feel the will of the Japan"

Q. President Yoon is supported by a minority ruling party, and a general election is coming up next spring. What do you think the Japan will respond in the future?

A. Since there is nothing the Japan side can do about the political situation in South Korea, the Japan side should take into account the fact that President Yoon is making enormous efforts to improve Japan-ROK relations while taking risks domestically, and will actively work to improve relations in a way that rewards them.

Looking at President Yoon's visit to Japan in March, I could fully feel the Japan's attitude of trying to reward President Yoon's efforts, and I could strongly feel the will of the Japan side at this press conference. It is necessary to continue to make efforts at a rapid pace to improve Japan-South Korea relations, and to that end, it is important to show both countries that improving relations is mutually beneficial.

In the G7 ...

Q. President Yoon has been invited to the G19 Hiroshima Summit starting on January 7, but what should you pay attention to in the future to improve Japan-ROK relations?

A. It is important to see the leaders of both countries visit the Korean Cenotaph for the Victims of the Atomic Bomb in the Peace Park on the occasion of the G7 Summit to be perceived by the people of Japan and South Korea, and it is also important to appeal to the international community that Japan and South Korea are cooperating with each other.

In addition, a trilateral summit meeting will be held, so it is important to confirm the cooperation of the three countries in the future and move forward further.

(Interviewer: International Affairs Department Reporter Yukari Kondo)