On January 13, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara, Japan, followed by a joint press conference. This meeting marked the first visit by a Korean president to Japan since Prime Minister Takaichi took office and continued the tradition of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries. President Lee emphasized that deepening and expanding Korea-Japan cooperation is an urgent task in this era of civilizational transition. He highlighted the historical significance of cities like Gyeongju and Nara, stating that their legacy of exchange and collaboration remains a valuable asset for both nations.
President Lee referenced Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit to Gyeongju last October and his own visit to Nara, noting that both countries now share their future across economic, social, and cultural spheres. The summit covered comprehensive cooperation in economic security, science and technology, and international norms, with plans to initiate discussions between relevant authorities. The leaders agreed to deepen practical cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection. Social issues like low birth rates, aging populations, balanced regional growth, agriculture, disaster prevention, and suicide prevention were addressed, with the Korea-Japan Common Social Issues Consultative Body’s achievements highly praised.
The two nations agreed to strengthen joint responses to transnational crimes, including scams, with Japan joining an international cooperation body led by the Korean National Police Agency and adopting an agreement to institutionalize collaboration. As people-to-people exchanges reach 12 million annually, proposals were made to expand youth exchanges, simplify immigration procedures, promote school trips, and mutually recognize technical qualifications. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation for regional peace and stability, as well as trilateral communication among Korea, China, and Japan. Commitment to complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula was also reiterated.
Regarding the 1942 Josei mine accident in Ube City, Japan, the two countries agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains, with practical details to be discussed between authorities. President Lee described the summit as a starting point for reflecting on the past 60 years of Korea-Japan relations and preparing for the next 60 years. He expressed hope that both nations and their peoples would advance toward the future through deeper exchanges and cooperation. The summit served as a significant milestone for the continued development and shared prosperity of Korea-Japan relations.
This Korea-Japan summit demonstrated a clear commitment to future-oriented cooperation across economic, technological, and social domains. The focus on artificial intelligence, international collaboration, and addressing complex social issues signals a shift toward global leadership and innovation. Progress on historical issues and expanded youth exchanges are likely to foster greater trust and understanding between the peoples of both countries. Such multifaceted cooperation will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also contribute to regional stability and enhance the international standing of Korea and Japan.