Shinan-gun Promotes Friendly Exchange with Japan's Obuchi Prime Minister Village

As Part of the 100th Anniversary Celebration of President Kim Dae-jung's Birth

Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Woo-ryang) is promoting mutual friendly exchanges with Nakanoj? Town in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of former President Kim Dae-jung's birth and to reflect on the significance of the 1998 Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Joint Declaration.

Panoramic view of Nakanojo Town Office, Gunma Prefecture, Japan [Photo by Sinan-gun]

According to the county on the 3rd, the joint declaration, known as the Korea-Japan Partnership, was adopted in October 1998 at the Tokyo State Guest House during former President Kim Dae-jung's official visit to Japan when Prime Minister Obuchi was in office.

In particular, Prime Minister Obuchi made a direct and clear expression of apology for Japan's past colonial rule, and he is well known among our people as a party to the Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Joint Declaration.

He is a significant figure in Korea-Japan diplomatic history, having died of overwork while in office in 2000 and becoming the first South Korean president to attend a foreign head of state's funeral to express condolences.

Obuchi Prime Minister's hometown, Nakanoj? Town in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, has a population of 14,624 and has developed as a political, economic, cultural, and transportation center around the town. Tourist attractions include Shima Onsen, Sawatari Onsen, Yakuoen Agricultural Park, Kama Valley, and Mount Take.

Governor Park Woo-ryang stated, “The Kim Dae-jung?Obuchi Joint Declaration has played an important guiding role in developing a future-oriented relationship between Korea and Japan,” and added, “After confirming the intention for friendly exchanges with Nakanoj? Town, the hometown of Prime Minister Obuchi, we will gradually promote human and material exchanges.”