Japan’s shift towards a more conservative political stance under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is posing new challenges for its relationship with South Korea. This shift has raised concerns that longstanding historical and territorial disputes might disrupt the recent diplomatic efforts between the two nations. Traditionally, South Korea and Japan have adopted a “two-track” strategy, which involves separating contentious historical issues from areas that demand closer cooperation, such as security and economic matters. However, South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy has recently issued a warning that Japan’s political instability and its rightward political shift could potentially hinder progress in bilateral diplomacy.
Tensions have escalated following visits by Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site seen as controversial, and Japan’s repeated territorial claims over the Dokdo islets. These islets are under South Korean control but are referred to as Takeshima by Japan. Although Prime Minister Takaichi refrained from visiting the shrine on the August 15 anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, she did send a ritual offering, and several senior Japanese officials made visits, prompting official protests from South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has responded with a more measured approach. While he acknowledges the historical grievances, he emphasizes the growing importance of cooperation with Japan. Despite these diplomatic tensions, both countries have recognized the need to maintain their “two-track” strategy, which allows for collaboration on security and economic issues while separately addressing historical disputes.
Experts caution that without tangible progress and an expansion of practical cooperation, ongoing disputes concerning historical issues, territorial claims, and wartime-related controversies could jeopardize the “two-track” strategy. The relationship between Japan and South Korea remains delicate, and without careful management, these historical and territorial issues could impede the progress made in other areas of bilateral relations.