Evaluating the troubled legacy of Japan’s first summit with North Korea



Analysis Evaluating the troubled legacy of Japan’s first summit with North Korea Tokyo secured historic if fleeting breakthrough in Pyongyang 20 years ago, only for it to be derailed by public opinion Justin Yeo September 21, 2022 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A propaganda fresco at Jonsung Revolutionary Museum in Pyongyang \| Image: Eric Lafforgue (April 29, 2010) Twenty years ago this week, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made history by meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in the first-ever summit between the two countries. But what was expected to be a major turning point in North Korea-Japan relations instead launched a new crisis that has defined bilateral relations between the two neighbors ever since. Twenty years ago this week, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made history by meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in the first-ever summit between the two countries. But what was expected to be a major turning point in North Korea-Japan relations instead launched a new crisis that has defined bilateral relations between the two neighbors ever since. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

Evaluating the troubled legacy of Japan’s first summit with North Korea

Tokyo secured historic if fleeting breakthrough in Pyongyang 20 years ago, only for it to be derailed by public opinion

Justin Yeo September 21, 2022

Evaluating the troubled legacy of Japan’s first summit with North Korea

A propaganda fresco at Jonsung Revolutionary Museum in Pyongyang | Image: Eric Lafforgue (April 29, 2010)

Twenty years ago this week, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made history by meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in the first-ever summit between the two countries.

But what was expected to be a major turning point in North Korea-Japan relations instead launched a new crisis that has defined bilateral relations between the two neighbors ever since.

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