Lee Jae-myung and Sanae Takaichi 2026 Nara Summit: Balancing History and Pragmatism
President Lee Jae-myung and PM Sanae Takaichi begin their landmark summit in Nara on Jan 13, 2026. Lee stresses vital ties with Japan while addressing historical issues squarely.
The grip is firm, but the air remains thick with unresolved history. President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi officially kicked off their summit in Nara, Japan, on January 13, 2026. According to Cheong Wa Dae, the meeting aims to reset ties after a period of intense domestic and regional volatility.
Lee Jae-myung Sanae Takaichi 2026 Nara Summit: Navigating Ties
Lee hasn't minced words about the strategic importance of Tokyo. According to Yonhap News, he emphasized that ties with Japan are as vital as those with China. However, he urged bilateral cooperation while "squarely facing history," a delicate balancing act designed to satisfy domestic critics while fostering a necessary security alliance. This pragmatism comes as Lee's approval rating has inched up to 61%, giving him significant political capital.
The summit takes place against a backdrop of internal cleanup in Seoul. While Lee engages in high-level diplomacy, the South Korean judiciary is moving toward a sentencing request for ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law declaration. The dismissal of two two-star generals involved in that event underscores the government's effort to distance itself from the previous administration's legacy.
Diplomatic Timeline in Nara
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