Obama’s Visit to Japan: The Urgent Need for Reparation of Japan-South Korea Relations

President Obama, known for his practical school of thought, is no doubt growing increasingly frustrated. Even though there are numerous issues that should be discussed — such as the current state of the security guarantee, the TPP and so forth — he never expected to be wrapped up in mediating between quarreling allies.

As part of his Asia tour, Obama is set to visit Japan in late April. However, the schedule of his stay will be for two days and one night, shorter than initially expected. This is due to an unscheduled visit to South Korea, at Korea’s request.

To the U.S., which is developing a rebalancing strategy that attaches importance to the Asia-Pacific region, souring relations between Japan and Korea — the cornerstones of this strategy — are causing headaches. If Obama’s mediation fails, America will lose its footing. Secretary Kerry is busy clearing the air so that doesn’t happen.

It is too shameful that America must request the very mending of relations with key neighbors. Rather than just saying, “The door to dialogue is open,” Prime Minister Abe should also proactively take concrete action.

When you get right down to it, Prime Minister Abe’s words and conduct have created awkward relations with Korea and the U.S. In particular, the visit to Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year not only provoked outrage from China and Korea; it was spoken of as “disappointing” by America and gave the international community the impression that Japan is another cause of destabilization in East Asia.

The Abe administration, desperate to win favor, is fussing over treating Obama as a “state guest” with a welcome ceremony at the Imperial Palace. Even if coaxed to “side with Japan” at this late hour, what a great deal of trouble it would be to the U.S., which is stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Nonetheless, I cannot speak well of Korea’s rigidity. Its adherence to issues of the past, like the comfort women and conscripted workers, and continuing criticism of Japan as being completely responsible for worsening relations is staggering.

Both countries must not worsen domestic public opinion of each other anymore. I would like to call for careful, level-headed words and conduct (behavior) from Prime Minister Abe and Korean President Park Geun-hye that doesn’t stir up national sentiment.

It will take time to bridge the gap in historical perspectives. Instead, by facing the reality of the economy and security against North Korea, we should start to see the path toward repairing relations.

Although relations have cooled, Japan and America are important partners. There are numerous issues requiring in-depth discussion between fellow heads of state, such as dealing with North Korea, crisis management of the Senkaku Islands, TPP negotiations, the relocation of Futenma Air Base in Okinawa and so on.

Rather than giving him the state guest treatment, Japan should offer Obama its hospitality by demonstrating compromise with South Korea. I would like the Nuclear Security Summit, opening in Holland in late March, to be an opportunity for both countries to earnestly strive toward achieving a conversation between Abe and Park.