In her inaugural news conference the other day, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described South Korea as an “important neighbour” and a “vital partner.” Observers say one could discern in Takaichi’s description as highly auspicious signs for peace and security in East Asia.
Takaichi has long been known as a member of the Nippon Kaigi. She has held the view that Japan hardly committed any “war crimes” during the Second World War. She has claimed the then imperial Japanese forces had made just “overseas advances.” Takaichi has also regularly visited the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Also, earlier , Takaichi has held a negative view of the famous Yohei Kono(1993) and Tomiichi Murayama(1995) statements. In the former statement, then Japanese Cabinet Secretary Kono conceded that Imperial Japan had forced the Korean women to work in military-run brothels during World War II. In the latter statement, then Japanese Prime Minister Murayama apologized for the damages his nation had brought to its annexed nations, including South Korea, during its imperial era.
The observers counsel Takaichi would do well to stick to her new view on South Korea. This can go a long way in addressing the scars of Japanese colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. Doing so would be in the interest of both Japan and South Korea. If the two nations integrate their economies, their combined gross domestic product would reach roughly $7 trillion. Together they would account for about 5 per cent of the global output today.
The industrial complementarities between the two countries are unique. South Korea leads in semiconductors, batteries, displays and shipbuilding. Japan holds strengths in advanced materials, components and precision machinery. If the two nations have a combined economic bloc, they could diversify supply chains and lessen their dependence on China and Western markets .
Time is opportune. The current presidency of Lee Jae Myung in South Korea is inclined to maintaining an engagement trajectory with Tokyo. Both Takaichi and Lee seem to be willing to learn from Germany and France. The conflict between the two West European nations was ugly for long. But they managed to move past it.
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