The Fault Line Between Japan and South Korea

2019/08/26

Anti-Korean sentiment is spreading in Japan. Takeshima, former comfort women, former requisitioned workers, radar illumination—Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, losing patience and stating that it "goes against the common sense of international law," has taken de facto countermeasures against South Korea. Why has the relationship built over half a century since the normalization of diplomatic relations become so fragile?

At Nikkei Inc., I have spent almost my entire career in politics. During that time, through a total of six and a half years stationed in South Korea, I felt deeply that no matter how much effort is made, there are parts of the two countries that remain incompatible. Nevertheless, I wonder if we simply know too little about our neighboring countries, just as I once did.

The Japanese common sense of valuing promises between nations does not resonate with the Moon Jae-in administration. Japanese people are indignant, asking, "What on earth are the South Koreans thinking?" On the other hand, many South Koreans are unaware of this. This discrepancy is one reason why the rift is deepening.

In my previous book, "South Korea's Melancholy," published during my time as Seoul Bureau Officer, I explored the darkness of South Korean society that led to the impeachment and removal of then-President Park Geun-hye. Two years have passed since then. Under the Abe and Moon administrations, the fault lines between Japan and South Korea have become clear. As a reporter who has covered the politics, economy, and society of both countries, I wanted to systematically record the historical moments that happened before my eyes. This book is an attempt to clearly unravel the Japan-South Korea relationship, where Japanese rule and modern South Korean history are intricately intertwined. I insisted on structuring it around my own personal experiences and reporting.

I also delved into the generational gap common to both Japan and South Korea. It has been 27 years since I graduated from Keio University. A schoolmate who has become an "old man" like me and dislikes South Korea told me with a wry smile, "My daughter and wife are really into South Korea." The base of women supporting the Korean Wave has expanded to include middle and high school students. To them, South Korean culture and entertainment are accessible and relatable. In March of this year, the number of Japanese people visiting South Korea reached approximately 375,000, the highest monthly figure since the normalization of diplomatic relations.

In both Japan and South Korea, the percentage of the younger generation who have a positive impression of the other country and its people is higher than in other generations. I want to avoid amplifying opposition to the other's leaders and involving the citizens. The words and actions of the Moon administration that surprise the Japanese are not temporary. If so, how should we face South Korea? I would be gratified if this book helps in understanding that.

"The Fault Line Between Japan and South Korea"

Hiroshi Minegishi

Nikkei Publishing Inc.

238 pages, 850 yen (excluding tax)

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time this magazine was published.