Japan-Korea: Too Close To Be Close?

Japan and Korea share a rich but complicated relationship. Much of what is today considered Japanese traditional culture, such as Buddhism, crafts, and literature, has Korean roots or was transmitted to Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula. Japan’s influence over Korea has at times also been monumental. The two countries have much in common, resembling the way Nordic nations have related to one another over the centuries; however, unlike in the Nordic case, history still weighs heavily on the present. With a Korean President known for his earlier anti-Japanese statements and a Japanese Prime Minister known for repeatedly challenging historic responsibility for Japan’s treatment of Korea, few would be surprised if bilateral relations were to take a downturn. Instead, both leaders have shown statesmanship and emphasized the necessity of “future-oriented” relations. Hopefully, the need to build a common defense of democratic values against the bullying tactics of great powers will bring the two countries closer together in a positive way.