Japanese Media Say Lee’s Visit Improved Bilateral Ties

Regarding the Korea-Japan summit held on Monday, Japanese media outlets, through their Tuesday editorials and feature articles, were in unison that the two neighboring counties had entered into a more mature partnership based on trust built between the two leaders.

Japanese media praised President Lee Myung-bak’s recent state visits to the United States and Japan, saying Lee had not only strengthened bilateral ties between South Korea and Japan, but also improved trilateral relations among South Korea, the United States and Japan.

In the editorial titled, “Now, Move North Korea,” the Asahi Shimbun said, “President Lee re-established (South Korea’s) relations with the U.S. and Japan, which were once shaky under the Roh Moo-hyun administration.” The editorial added, “It has reaffirmed how valuable the alliance between South Korea and Japan, as well as, among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan, is at a time when North Korea’s nuclear issue has become a pressing matter.“

Meanwhile, in an editorial, titled, “Let’s Make It Our First Step to Create a New Era for South Korea and Japan,” the Yomiuri Shimbun said, “The two leaders have confirmed international agendas that (South Korea and Japan) share a common interest in areas such as humanitarian aid and the environment.” The editorial added, “It is also important to accumulate (the cases of) small cooperation.”

On the TBS program that aired nationwide in Japan on Monday night, Japanese media pointed out that they could witness a more friendly side of President Lee and that the Japanese people should adapt his attitude of valuing young people.

sya@donga.com