Amid disputes over wartime labor rulings and radar lock-on incidents, this essay examines shifting perceptions within the Japanese government toward South Korea.
It questions whether the long-held assumption of shared values such as freedom, democracy, and rule of law still holds true.

2019-01-12
Japan may have misunderstood South Korea as belonging to the same camp that shares values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, but the reality may be entirely different.
Rui Abiru of Sankei Shimbun is, among active newspaper journalists today, one of the most genuine journalists in the world.
When Japan attempted to aid Baekje, which had been attacked by the allied forces of Tang and Silla on the Korean Peninsula, and was defeated at the Battle of Baekgang, Japan urgently strengthened defenses across western Japan to prevent Tang’s invasion from reaching its shores.
The commander of the defense unit at that time was a Sakimori captain bearing the name Abiru.
It is very likely that Mr. Abiru is his descendant.
When I think of how he has long fought against Asahi Shimbun as a true journalist, I cannot help but be moved to tears.
Defending Japan against the massive power of Tang at that time was a matter of life and death.
That spirit flows within him.
Japan has produced countless great figures.
A nation of beautiful mountains.
A nation of beautiful forests.
A nation of beautiful lakes.
A nation of beautiful rivers.
A nation surrounded by beautiful seas.
It is only natural that I, born in this rare and beautiful Japan, cannot help but be moved to tears.
The following is from his column published yesterday in Sankei Shimbun.
What does South Korea mean to Japan.
Recently, amid the wartime labor rulings and the radar lock-on incident involving a Maritime Self-Defense Force patrol aircraft, one often hears cool and detached remarks from senior government officials.
“Even if relations with South Korea deteriorate, Japan will not be troubled.”
“There is no point in improving relations with South Korea.
Unlike China, it is not a threat to Japan.”
A senior Foreign Ministry official has also remarked that Japan–Korea relations may remain bad for years or even decades.
Within the government, there had already been voices two years ago stating that Japan–Korea relations had effectively collapsed.
As South Korea continued actions seen as unwise, officials have become less inclined to conceal their true feelings.
In political circles, there are bipartisan groups such as the Japan–Korea Parliamentarians’ League that continue to pursue friendship with South Korea.
However, whether they attempt friendly handshakes or offer cautious advice, relations continue to deteriorate.
Has their “goodwill” merely emboldened South Korea and led it to underestimate Japan.
Japan may have misunderstood South Korea as belonging to the same camp that shares freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, but the reality may be entirely different.
Such recognition appears to be spreading within Japanese society.
To be continued.