[Inside Chodong] The 'Deep-Minded' Japan Is Gone Now

On the 9th, in front of the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, where the Tokyo Olympic torch arrival event was held, a woman is holding a placard and protesting against the hosting of the Olympics. Photo by EPA Tokyo

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] During childhood, Japan was truly an 'unreachable wall' country. Among the writing instruments friends used, the most premium was 'Ilje' (Japanese-made), and the most desired items like Walkmans, CD players, game consoles, and computers were all 'Ilje.' At school, groups of three or five would gather to enthusiastically discuss Japanese movies and dramas they had watched the day before, and humming their music was a sign of sophistication. I also cannot forget the friends who returned from summer vacation trips to Japan, boasting to others with faces full of admiration and envy.

What left the strongest impression was their 'true intentions.' At that time, adults often described Japan as a 'fearsome country,' a 'meticulous country,' or a nation 'we could never catch up to.' Underlying these expressions was a sense of envy toward their 'true intentions,' which were deep and far-sighted beyond understanding.

However, in recent years, these fixed perceptions have been greatly shaken. A representative example is their diplomatic policy. Since the Abe administration, Japanese politicians have blatantly engaged in 'Korea-bashing' as a go-to tactic whenever they find themselves on the defensive domestically. Unlike before, they repeatedly employ moves whose true intentions are obvious.

The issue of President Moon Jae-in's visit to Japan during the upcoming Tokyo Olympics is no exception. On the 11th, Japanese media reported that a Korea-Japan summit would be held during the Tokyo Olympics, claiming that Japan had 'accepted' South Korea's proposal to hold the summit. Furthermore, the Japanese government stated that only a brief meeting with President Moon would be possible, with no special treatment. In other words, it implied that the South Korean government was begging Japan for a summit. Our government immediately protested. There was even a warning that "continued negotiations would be difficult" and that the talks could be broken off if necessary.

Why is Japan acting this way? It is likely because they believe they have little to lose. If the South Korean president attends the Tokyo Olympics and a summit takes place, Japan will launch extensive reports portraying the South Korean government as having bowed its head. If President Moon does not attend the Olympics, Japan will undoubtedly raise the issue of South Korea being 'petty for not participating in a global festival' and blame South Korea for 'ruining the Olympics.' The Japanese government, continuing from Abe to Suga, is staking everything on the Olympics. The success of the Olympics would justify their ruling reasons and unify domestic public opinion. But given the current situation, the chances of the Olympics being a hit are slim, so they are preemptively looking for excuses.

There is also this scenario: after announcing that a summit will take place, if President Moon attends the Tokyo Olympics, Japan might unilaterally refuse to hold the summit. Internally, they would promote the narrative that South Korea came begging for a summit but was 'disciplined' further by Japan refusing it.

In this situation, is it really necessary for President Moon to attend the Tokyo Olympics and grace the event? Especially when the COVID-19 situation in Japan is severe and other world leaders are declaring their absence one after another. Of course, even a single reporter knows that the Blue House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are fully aware of Japan's obvious intentions. Over the past few years, our diplomacy has acted more 'maturely' than Japan. I believe our government will find an appropriate way and present a positive solution to the deepening conflict between the two countries. However, it is unavoidable that the current Japan is irritating. They repeatedly engage in actions that clearly prioritize gaining approval through anti-Korean sentiment over cooperation between the two countries. The 'deep-minded' Japan that adults used to talk about seems to be nowhere to be found now.