New East Asia Foundation material looks at the Republic of Korea – Japan relationship

According to the author, the absence of productive relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) is, by no means, a new trend. That said, the rift between the two sides over history has significantly eroded meaningful trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Tokyo and their mutual ally – Washington. Recently, there have been some positive signals that Japan and the ROK may return to a relationship based on pragmatism and one that focuses on shared interests, many of these in partnership with the United States. This does not mean that the historical grievances between the two will – or should – disappear. Rather, there appears to be recognition in both Tokyo and Seoul that a “two-track approach” is the best option. This portends well for the trajectory of trilateral relations in the coming months.
Full text of the East Asia Foundation web-site