Takaichi: "Promoting a Future-Oriented Japan-Korea Relationship Through Steady Shuttle Diplomacy"

On January 12, one day before the summit with President Lee Jaemyung to be held in Nara Prefecture, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated regarding Japan-Korea relations, "We intend to steadily implement shuttle diplomacy and promote a future-oriented relationship between the two countries."

Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan, is delivering a speech at the New Year's reception jointly hosted by three economic organizations in Tokyo on January 6, 2026. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On this day, Prime Minister Takaichi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Tomorrow's Japan-Korea summit will be held in Nara at the request of President Lee Jaemyung," adding this comment.

She also said, "In Nara, an ancient capital with over 1,300 years of history, we will reflect on the cultural exchanges between our country (Japan) and the Korean Peninsula that have taken place over the centuries."

Nara Prefecture is both the hometown and political base of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Its central city, Nara, served as the capital of Japan in the 8th century and is dotted with historic temples. It is also known as a region where immigrants from the ancient Korean Peninsula introduced culture and technology.

Prime Minister Takaichi reported that, for the first time since taking office in October last year, she visited Nara Prefecture on this day to pay respects at the graves of her grandparents and parents, as well as at the memorial for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Former Prime Minister Abe was fatally shot during a campaign speech in Nara City in July 2022. As a staunch conservative, Prime Minister Takaichi is following in Abe's footsteps by pursuing strengthened defense capabilities and expansionary fiscal policies.