Lee Jae Myung Takaichi Nara Summit 2026: A Strategic Pivot in East Asia

They're shaking hands, but the regional pulse remains rapid. President Lee Jae Myung met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara, Japan, on January 13, 2026, to emphasize a critical need for trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing amidst soaring diplomatic friction between Japan and China.

Strategic Outcomes of the Lee Jae Myung Takaichi Nara Summit 2026

According to Yonhap, the summit followed President Lee's recent visit to Beijing to meet with Xi Jinping. The timing is significant as Takaichi's earlier remarks on Taiwan have strained Japan-China relations. Lee stressed that the three Northeast Asian neighbors must identify "as much common ground as possible" to ensure regional stability.

During the 90-minute discussion, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." They also agreed on the importance of the trilateral alliance with Washington to counter a "rapidly changing global landscape."

Addressing the Past to Secure the Future

A notable breakthrough occurred regarding historical grievances from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule. The leaders agreed to cooperate on recovering remains from the Chosei undersea coal mine, where a 1942 flood killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced laborers. DNA analysis will be used to identify remains found in August last year.

Beyond history, the leaders focused on "future-oriented cooperation" through the resumption of shuttle diplomacy. Key agreements included launching working-level consultations on AI and intellectual property rights, as well as simplifying entry procedures for travelers.