Project

Korea and Japan have long experienced conflict due to historical issues stemming from Japan’s past. Problems such as visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, controversies over history textbooks, the Dokdo (Takeshima) territorial dispute, and the forced mobilization under imperial Japan have led the two countries to undergo prolonged tensions rather than pursue future-oriented cooperation. However, in recent years, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has actively sought to improve Korea–Japan relations, and the Kishida administration of Japan has responded positively, ushering in a new phase in bilateral relations.

The issue, however, is that even as Korea–Japan relations enter a phase of reconciliation, there is still no clear national strategy for developing cooperative relations between the two countries. The Institute for Future Strategy aims to present strategic measures that can achieve Korea’s national interests and contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia by proposing cooperation strategies across various sectors such as the economy, science and technology, and diplomacy and security.

This study first seeks to analyze the national identities and values that Korea and Japan can share as the foundation of future cooperation. The two countries share common ground in that both have democratic political systems. Furthermore, they share values such as the liberal trade order and the pursuit of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. These shared values form a fundamental basis for mutual cooperation between the two nations.

Next, the study aims to present detailed strategies in the fields of diplomacy and security, economy, and science and technology.

First, in the economic sector, Korea and Japan can serve as favorable employment and consumer markets for each other. Mutual market opening through measures such as a Korea–Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to contribute to the economic development of both countries.

Second, in the science and technology sector, Korea can strengthen the foundation of its advanced industrial development through cooperation with Japan. Based on Japan’s strong basic science research capabilities and Korea’s industrial innovation capacity, both countries can benefit mutually through scientific and technological collaboration.

Third, in the diplomacy and security sector, Korea and Japan share common strategic interests. They should pay attention to the fact that the two nations share security interests in areas such as the exchange of intelligence and surveillance assets, mutual logistical support in times of crisis, and the safety of maritime routes.