[Reporter`s View] Envoy`s recall makes few ripples in Japan

The Seoul government on Tuesday recalled ambassador to Tokyo Choi Sang-Yong in protest against the Japanese government`s authorization of textbooks distorting its colonial history. Reactions of the Japanese government and press to the measure were rather subdued.

Officials said the Korean government told them that Choi was ordered to Seoul for consultations with the home government, suggesting that the action of the Korean government was not of a serious nature. Minister of Education and Science Nobutaka Machimura said the Seoul government would soon come to a complete understanding of Japan`s position. The response in Tokyo contrasted sharply with the reaction of the Korean press, which played up the envoy`s recall and interpreted it as a sign of a toughened stance by the Seoul government.

The distinction between the recall of an ambassador and a temporary homecoming as a show of protest and readiness for subsequent negotiations may be subtle. Yet the differing reactions of Seoul and Tokyo to the drastic step are striking enough to keep observers guessing.

The Japanese seem to view the recall as a gesture to appease the Korean public and anticipate no further measures by the Korean government that might damage its ties with Japan. Some Japanese consider the controversy a tempest in a teapot. One reason for Japan`s low-key response was the ambiguity of the Korean government`s demands. Korea is to put together its final position on the issue toward the end of the week on the basis of thorough scrutiny of the authorized textbooks and an extensive briefing by Ambassador Choi on the situation in Japan. The Korean government is seen to be taking a wait-and-see attitude, making no specific demands but only showing irritation.

An emotional reaction and immoveable stance would not be good for a healthy relationship between Korea and Japan. But the wild talk here and the apparent hardline position of the government should eventually register with Japanese authorities. The recall of the Korean envoy must serve as a warning to Japan against any future attempts at whitewashing the history of its relations with its neighbors.

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Lee Young-Ee yes202@donga.com