Story perspectives

Japanese PM Takaichi Meets SK President in Two-Day Summit

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in Daegu, South Korea, escorted by 170 police officers and 40 patrol vehicles.
Takaichi met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Andong for a two-day summit on bilateral issues, North Korea and the U.S.–Iran conflict.
The leaders scheduled a joint press briefing, banquet dinner and cultural performance before Takaichi’s Wednesday departure, following President Lee’s January visit to Takaichi’s hometown of Nara.

History

Historical Context

After Japan’s 1993 Kono statement acknowledged forced military-sex slavery, Tokyo and Seoul signed a “finally and irreversibly” comfort-women pact on 28 December 2015, paying ¥1 billion (about $8.3 million). The deal unraveled by 2019 and the foundation was closed in 2018. Today Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Lee Jae-myung meet, echoing that 2015 diplomatic effort while seeking a new framework.

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Story summary

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in Daegu, South Korea, escorted by 170 police officers and 40 patrol vehicles.
Takaichi met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Andong for a two-day summit on bilateral issues, North Korea and the U.S.–Iran conflict.
The leaders scheduled a joint press briefing, banquet dinner and cultural performance before Takaichi’s Wednesday departure, following President Lee’s January visit to Takaichi’s hometown of Nara.

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