Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Takaichi Launch Nara Summit, Discuss Cooperation
Updated (2 articles)
Summit kickoff and leaders’ handshake in Takaichi’s hometown President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Nara on Jan 13, meeting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for a two‑day summit that began with a formal handshake photo [1]. The visit is framed as “shuttle diplomacy” intended to keep bilateral momentum after Lee’s recent state trip to China [1]. Both governments highlighted the symbolic importance of holding talks in Takaichi’s hometown, Nara Prefecture [1].
Broad agenda spans economy, regional security and future industries Cheong Wa Dae outlined discussions on economic cooperation, societal and cultural exchange, and joint approaches to regional and global challenges [2]. National Security Adviser Wi Sung‑lac emphasized expanding trust through AI collaboration and other emerging sectors [2]. The leaders also pledged to deepen ties in humanitarian fields, reflecting a forward‑looking partnership [2].
Historical reconciliation addressed through Chosei remains investigation Working‑level talks included DNA analysis of victims from the 1942 Chosei undersea coal‑mine flood, a painful legacy for Korean laborers [2]. Both sides signaled willingness to resolve historical grievances while pursuing broader cooperation [2]. The issue underscores the summit’s humanitarian dimension alongside economic and security topics [2].
Regional context shaped by recent China visit and Tokyo‑Beijing tensions Lee’s Nara trip follows his state visit to China, occurring amid heightened Tokyo‑Beijing strains over Taiwan‑related remarks [1]. The timing suggests the summit aims to balance South Korea’s relations with both neighbors while reinforcing its own strategic partnership with Japan [1]. Earlier August talks with former Japanese premier Shigeru Ishiba set a precedent for continued high‑level exchanges [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: Lee Jae Myung and Takaichi Begin Nara Summit Talks – reports Lee’s arrival, handshake, shuttle diplomacy, and the summit’s start against a backdrop of recent China visit and regional tensions .
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[2]
Yonhap: Lee to visit Nara for summit with Takaichi to bolster ties – details the two‑day agenda covering economy, culture, AI cooperation, humanitarian work on Chosei remains, and the broader diplomatic pattern of reciprocal visits .
Timeline
Feb 24, 1942 – A catastrophic flood at the Chōsei undersea coal mine in Yamaguchi Prefecture kills hundreds of Korean laborers forced to work there. The tragedy remains a painful historical wound that shapes contemporary South‑Korea‑Japan reconciliation talks, prompting joint DNA‑analysis projects and humanitarian dialogue during high‑level visits [2].
Aug 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung makes his first post‑election trip to Japan, meeting former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo. The visit establishes a baseline of personal contact and signals a renewed willingness to engage after years of strained relations, laying groundwork for the shuttle‑diplomacy cycle [2].
Jan 9, 2026 – South Korea’s Cheong Wa Dae announces that Lee will travel to Nara Prefecture on Jan 13 for a two‑day summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The agenda spans economics, society, culture, regional security and joint AI initiatives, while also featuring a friendship event with ethnic Koreans in Japan and discussions on the Chōsei remains issue. Officials frame the meeting as part of “shuttle diplomacy” aimed at deepening mutual trust and sustaining momentum after Lee’s August Japan visit [2].
Jan 13, 2026 – Lee arrives in Nara, Takaichi’s hometown, and shakes hands with the Japanese leader to launch the summit. Over the next two days the leaders pursue stronger bilateral ties, expand cooperation on economic, regional and global challenges, and address historical reconciliation through continued DNA‑analysis of the Chōsei victims. The timing follows Lee’s recent state visit to China, underscoring the summit’s role in balancing Japan‑China‑South Korea dynamics and preserving regional stability [1].