This essay examines statements by Japan’s foreign and defense ministers regarding the radar-lock dispute and questions the decision to provide video footage to Korea. Drawing on commentary by Ryusho Kadota, it argues against premature compromise and emphasizes the importance of principle-based diplomacy for the future of Japan–Korea relations.

January 8, 2019.
There are few cases in which what has been described as Korea’s habitual pattern of “stacking lies upon lies” and overturning everything when it becomes inconvenient has been exposed so clearly before the international community.
The following is from an article distributed on January 7, 2019, by the editorial department of Weekly Seiron, titled “Strange Statements by Foreign Minister Kono and Defense Minister Iwaya Regarding the Radar-Lock Incident.”
Introductory text omitted.
It was a startling statement.
Illuminating a fire-control radar is an act that occurs immediately before an attack.
It is hard to believe that such words came from the head of the Self-Defense Forces.
Kei Ishinabe of the Sankei Shimbun wrote in the December 26 morning edition’s political column that “precisely because we must take a broad view, we should first convey our anger with resolute determination,” criticizing Minister Iwaya’s conciliatory stance.
The Ministry of Defense reportedly provided the same footage it released on December 28 to the Korean side via the Korean Embassy in Tokyo.
Korea then used that footage in a video released on January 4 to rebut Japan’s claims.
It is difficult to understand why Japan provided the footage.
Although Minister Iwaya likely gave the final approval, it is understandable that the decision would be criticized as overly lenient.
Journalist Ryusho Kadota argued on the opinion site BLOGOS that “if we allow this, there will be no future for Japan–Korea relations.”
As seen in the “comfort women” and “wartime labor” issues, Japan–Korea relations have often followed a pattern in which Korea takes a hardline stance and Japan makes concessions.
Kadota emphasized that “there are few examples in which Korea’s pattern of stacking lies upon lies and overturning everything when inconvenient has been so openly exposed before the international community,” and stated as follows.
“For the sake of a true future between Japan and Korea, we must never pursue ‘early resolution’ in the name of compromise.”
I fully agree.
I strongly urge Minister Kono and Minister Iwaya to uphold principle-based diplomacy.