President Lee Jae Myung Japan Visit 2026: Nara Summit to Boost Shuttle Diplomacy
President Lee Jae Myung visits Nara, Japan, on January 13, 2026, for a summit with PM Sanae Takaichi. The meeting focuses on shuttle diplomacy and regional stability.
Shaking hands while holding a fist—that's the complex backdrop of East Asian diplomacy. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-day visit to Nara, Japan, next Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He'll meet with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss regional security, according to Cheong Wa Dae.
Strengthening Ties: President Lee Jae Myung Japan Visit 2026
The summit's location is highly symbolic. Nara is Takaichi's hometown, suggesting a more personal approach to "shuttle diplomacy." This marks Lee's second trip to Japan since his August 2025 visit to Tokyo. The leaders aim to address economic cooperation and cultural exchange, even as long-standing historical grievances from the 1910-45 colonial era persist.
Navigating Geopolitical Turbulence
The visit comes at a delicate time as tensions between Tokyo and Beijing remain high over Takaichi's recent remarks regarding Taiwan. President Lee has signaled he's willing to play a mediating role in Sino-Japanese disputes where possible, positioning South Korea as a pivotal balancer in the region.
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