Lee lands at Seoul Air Base after two‑day Japan visit President Lee Jae Myung arrived at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam with first lady Kim Hea Kyung, concluding a two‑day trip that included a meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara. It was Lee’s second visit to Japan and his fifth summit with a Japanese premier since taking office, following an earlier encounter in Gyeongju [1][2].

Leaders adopt shuttle‑diplomacy framework for reciprocal visits Both sides agreed to advance “future‑oriented cooperation” through reciprocal leader‑level visits, a scheme described as shuttle diplomacy intended to sustain high‑level dialogue across multiple sectors [1][2]. The arrangement aims to keep communication steady and deepen bilateral ties beyond the current summit [1][2].

Denuclearization pledge reinforced and regional cooperation urged Lee and Takaichi reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and called for Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing to find common ground for broader Northeast Asian cooperation [1][2]. The joint statement positioned denuclearization as a cornerstone of future security collaboration [1][2].

CPTPP accession, seafood safety dispute, and DNA analysis plan disclosed South Korea reiterated its bid to join the 12‑member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership led by Japan, while Tokyo explained its food‑safety stance on the Korean seafood import ban, promising further working‑level talks [1][2]. The leaders also agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains from the 1942 Chosei undersea coal‑mine flood that killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced‑labor victims [1][2].

Cultural exchanges cement personal rapport between leaders The summit featured an impromptu drum session, gift exchanges, and a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Horyu‑ji Temple, highlighting historic ties to the ancient Baekje kingdom and fostering a friendly atmosphere alongside formal negotiations [1][2].