Tokyo/Seoul: Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul yesterday to meet South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol amidst a sceptical public regarding the leaders’ pursuit of deeper ties in the face of nuclear threats from North Korea and China’s increasing assertiveness. Kishida’s bilateral visit marks the first by a Japanese leader to Seoul in 12 years, responding to Yoon’s trip to Tokyo in March. During that meeting, they aimed to resolve historical disputes that have dictated Japan-South Korea relations for years.
Before departing, Kishida mentioned his hope for “an open discussion based on a relationship of trust” with Yoon, without discussing specific topics. However, Yoon faces criticism domestically for giving more than has been received in his efforts to enhance relations with Japan. Yoon proposed that South Korean businesses, rather than Japanese…
