Japan-South Korea relations

Deepened trilateral cooperation between the U.S. and its two key East Asian allies is a positive development, but the fragility of Japanese and South Korean leadership underscores the importance of long-term reconciliation. 

South Korea’s erratic court rulings and disharmony in the justice system are jeopardizing its bilateral relations with Japan.

Coordination on evacuations of their citizens from the Middle East is a seemingly small but symbolically significant step for Tokyo and Seoul.

So far, South Korea's President Yoon has been more proactive in advancing the relationship – and more willing to tolerate political risks at home.

The social media posts of South Korean, Japanese, and U.S. missions reveal what lies behind their recent public display of bonhomie.

The release of treated but still radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean has exacerbated tensions with neighboring countries.

Many foreign experts said the water discharge will have a negligible impact on the environment and human health, but Japan’s neighbors remain worried.

The two East Asian nations should take inspiration from landmark treaty in Europe.

South Korean government officials and scientists insist that contamination levels would be within acceptable safety standards. The public isn’t convinced.

In comments to The Diplomat, Prime Minister Kishida refrained from predictions about a second joint declaration to update one issued a quarter of a century ago.

Japan’s tightening of trade controls against Seoul in 2019 was widely seen as retaliation for a South Korean court ruling on World War II-era forced labor.