This article examines the persistent tension in Japan-South Korea relations despite repeated attempts to mend it. Elite narratives from both countries reify their relationship as a difficult problem.
Finding: Both Japanese and South Korean policy elites believe the other side is unwilling or unrepentant, leading to mutual misapprehension.
### Narrative Analysis
The author analyzes pronouncements by Japanese and South Korean policy elites in official documents and media reports. These narratives consistently place responsibility for improving relations on the 'troublesome' neighbor.
Key Insight: There is a stark contrast: Japan views the problem as due to South Korea's unwillingness, while South Korea sees it rooted in Japan's lack of sincerity regarding past wrongs.
### Conclusion
This mutual misreading creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. The relationship remains entrenched because each side wrongly assumes the other will not cooperate. It is likely here to stay.
| It Takes Two to Tango: The Difficult Japan-South Korea Relations as Clash of Realities was authored by Taku Tamaki. It was published by Cambridge in JJPS in 2020. |
