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Japan's rightward political shift under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is putting renewed pressure on Seoul and Tokyo’s efforts to keep historical disputes separate from security and economic cooperation.
South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy warns that political instability and conservative policies in Japan could weaken shuttle diplomacy and push bilateral relations toward deterioration. Takaichi avoided visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on August 15 but sent a ritual offering, prompting formal protests from Seoul.
Takaichi omitted any reference to Japan’s wartime “remorse” in her August 15 address, reversing language revived last year by predecessor Shigeru Ishiba. President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged unresolved colonial-era wounds but stressed that cooperation with Japan is “more important than ever,” signaling a continued commitment to strategic engagement. However, flashpoints such as Dokdo, wartime history textbooks, the Sado Gold Mine, and Hashima Island remain persistent sources of friction, with Japan again claiming Dokdo in its 2026 defense white paper.
Analysts warn that repeated dialogue without tangible progress could erode confidence in the two-track strategy; sustaining ties will require gains both on historical disputes and practical cooperation.