Visioning the Future of South Korea-Japan Relations

Fourth Toda Peace Institute Workshop

“Visioning the Future of South Korea-Japan Relations”

Tokyo, Japan  15-16 November 2024

Since 2021, the Toda Peace Institute has collaborated with the Sejong Institute on a project that brings together key opinion leaders—including parliamentarians, policymakers, academics, and journalists—from Japan and South Korea. This initiative fosters interactive problem-solving workshops aimed at understanding the root causes of conflicts between the two countries. The program explores necessary steps to establish higher levels of trust, confidence, and collaboration.

The fourth workshop, held on 15-16 November 2024, was organized by the Toda Peace Institute to further discussions on bilateral cooperation and trust-building as both nations prepare to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea. The workshop gathered 14 distinguished Korea-Japan experts from Tokyo University, Keio University, Tokai University, Nanzan University, Seoul National University, Inha University, Kwangwoon University, and Seoul City University, along with journalists from Asahi Shimbun, Nikkei, and Hankyoreh.

The 2024 Korea-Japan workshop occurred amid significant global uncertainties, particularly with the return of former U.S. President Donald Trump. His "Make America Great Again" policy was anticipated to generate domestic and international instability, exacerbating geopolitical tensions in Northeast Asia.

As the region’s geopolitical landscape grows increasingly fragile, strong South Korea-Japan relations have become more crucial than ever. The rise of China, North Korea’s unpredictable provocations, and escalating cross-strait tensions between China and Taiwan underscore the importance of a stable bilateral relationship. Historical disputes between Japan and South Korea not only hinder national interests but also jeopardize regional stability and security.

Workshop Themes and Discussions

Session 1: Trump 2.0 and Korea-Japan Relations

Changing political dynamics and the importance of a multilateral framework.

Differences in Japan and South Korea’s policies toward North Korea.

Session 2: How to Manage Unresolved Historical Issues in Korea-Japan Relations

Ongoing divergent interpretations of historical memory, including disputes over wartime forced labour and comfort women, and the victims’ need for recognition.

The possibility of "freezing" historical disputes based on past bilateral agreements.

Session 3: Next Steps Toward Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty on Basic Relations

Reflecting on the fragility of diplomatic agreements and the need for a new declaration to strengthen institutional mechanisms for continued bilateral cooperation.

Is "Joint Declaration of Korea-Japan Partnership Version 2.0” even possible?

Conclusion

The Fourth Toda Peace Institute Workshop on Korea-Japan relations concluded with a shared recognition of the challenges facing bilateral relations amid Northeast Asia’s geopolitical uncertainties, particularly with Trump’s return to the White House. Participants agreed that the stability of the Japan-South Korea relationship is integral to regional peace and security. While historical grievances remain contentious, attendees emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, and future-oriented cooperation.

A summary report in Japanese will be available here.