Kishida Visits National Cemetery Immediately After Arriving in Korea on the 7th... First Japanese Prime Minister in 12 Years

As a reciprocal visit following President Yoon Suk-yeol's trip to Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who will visit Korea on the 7th and 8th, will visit the National Cemetery as his first schedule in Korea.

According to a Yonhap News report on the 4th, Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to visit the National Cemetery in Dongjak-dong, Seoul immediately after arriving in Korea on the 7th.

On the afternoon of the 16th, at the joint press conference between South Korea and Japan held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida extended his hand for a handshake to President Yoon Suk-yeol after the conference concluded. [Image source=Yonhap News]

This will be the first time in about 12 years that a Japanese prime minister visits the National Cemetery since Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in October 2011.

It is interpreted that Prime Minister Kishida chose to visit the National Cemetery with the intention of accelerating the improvement of Korea-Japan relations and strengthening security cooperation. Also, considering the significance of restoring shuttle diplomacy after 12 years with this visit, it appears that the schedule of former Prime Minister Noda was included in the visit itinerary.

After completing the Korea-Japan summit on the morning of the 7th, President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida are expected to hold a joint press conference in the afternoon to announce the outcomes of the summit.

Following the press conference, a dinner attended by the spouses of both leaders is scheduled.

On the second day of his visit, the 8th, Prime Minister Kishida is reported to have separate meetings with members of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League and representatives of Korean economic organizations before returning to Japan.