Big Deal Possible between Japan and North

“Calm at negotiation table!”

Japanese government officials confirmed on September 16, 2002 that Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi would not make gestures of closeness such as hugging or shaking hands in both hands, when he meets with North Korean leader Kim Jung Il on Sep. 17. This decision came at a meeting between the Prime Minister and his foreign policy advisors. In the meeting, they discussed matters regarding the protocol.

North Korean leader Kim likes to show off his closeness with foreign heads by initiating unprecedented protocols and reception ceremonies. For example, when he met with President Kim Dae Jung in June of 2000 for a summit between North and South, he came to the airport in person to show his warm welcoming. In addition, he rode only with his Southern counterpart in his vehicle and surprised the whole world.

Japan is worrying that Kim’s excessive showing of friendship may be manipulated by North and used for taking a vantage point in negotiations with it by utilizing the event for advertising purposes.

Accordingly, the Japanese government decided that Prime Minister Koizumi would use only one hand in shaking hands with Kim Jung Il, and would not ride, when they move into Pyongyang, in Kim Jung Il’s limousine unless a translator is onboard, too. It also decided to refuse North’s request for Koizumi’s paying tribute at Man Soo Dae. Even some advisors reportedly recommended that Prime Minister would not smile at all when he meets with North Korean leader.

In order to stress the purposes of the summit, which is solely for practical reasons, Koizumi would not have a luncheon with Kim, and would have only two meetings, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Then, Japanese Prime Minister would come straight back to Japan.

Young-Ee Lee yes202@donga.com