Tokyo, January 9, 2026 – The Europe Today: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will pay a two-day visit to Japan next week to hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in her home prefecture of Nara, the governments of both countries announced on Friday.
President Lee’s visit, beginning next Tuesday in western Japan, will take place at the invitation of Prime Minister Takaichi as part of reciprocal leader-level exchanges, commonly referred to as “shuttle diplomacy.” The initiative is aimed at sustaining momentum in the improvement of bilateral relations, according to media reports.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference in Tokyo that cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as trilateral collaboration with their shared ally, the United States, has become increasingly important in the current strategic environment.
Describing the upcoming visit, Kihara said it would provide an opportunity to further develop Tokyo–Seoul relations in a “future-oriented and stable manner.”
Japan and South Korea have seen a notable improvement in ties in recent years after overcoming decades-long strains stemming from wartime history issues and territorial disputes. President Lee last visited Japan in August.
Kihara also announced that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Japan for three days starting next Thursday, marking the first official face-to-face talks between the leaders since Takaichi assumed office as prime minister in October.
