"South Korea-Japan Summit Being Coordinated for January 13-14 in Nara"

The Mainichi Shimbun reported on December 11, citing multiple diplomatic sources, that President Lee Jaemyung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are coordinating a plan to hold a summit in Nara City, Japan, around January 13-14 next year.

The governments of South Korea and Japan are considering holding a summit and a dinner in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.

President Lee Jae-myung (right) and Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. Photo by Yonhap News

Nara Prefecture is both Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown and her electoral district. Nara City, the central city of the prefecture, was a former capital of Japan and is currently regarded as an ancient city, along with Kyoto.

Todaiji, a historic temple, is being considered as the venue for the summit. The Mainichi explained that Todaiji was founded during the Nara period (710-794) and has deep ties to the descendants of Baekje from the Korean Peninsula. These descendants were people who migrated from the Korean Peninsula and China to Japan in ancient times, spreading technology and culture.

The Mainichi also reported that there is discussion about the two leaders visiting and laying flowers near Yamato-Saidaiji Station in Nara City, where former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in 2022. Prime Minister Takaichi, known for her hardline conservative stance, considers Abe her political mentor and continues his political legacy.

This will be President Lee’s first visit to Japan since Prime Minister Takaichi took office.

Previously, on October 30, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, President Lee held his first summit with Prime Minister Takaichi. At a press conference afterward, he stated, "In the spirit of shuttle diplomacy, I should visit Japan next, and I suggested that we meet in Nara Prefecture if possible. She was very pleased with the idea."

The Mainichi noted, "If the summit is held in a regional area, ceremonial events can be omitted, allowing for a more intimate atmosphere," and added, "Amid deteriorating relations with China, Japan is seeking to reaffirm cooperation with its neighbor South Korea and maintain the current momentum of improved bilateral ties."