They can only play a rule in ensuring it does not happen, which would benefit Abe and those who want to change the Constitution and use the instability on the peninsula as justification for remilitarization. That, and they still look at their neighbours with a view of inferiority.
I think Japan is VERY threatened by the prospect of a united Korea. I'd find Japan's financial participation in Korea VERY suspicious. UNLESS ,invited to do so by Korea, I will totally disagree.
Like it or not, Japan is inextricably linked to Korea and its history, and there are coommon problems between them. There are useful aspects to Japan that can help the two halves move towards each other. Even if they do not like Japan, and even if they would not admit it on the public stage, there is respect mixed in there among their other emotions. This would be a chance for all of them, and for Japan, but can it work?
It would be stupid for either Korea or any other player in the region to sideline Japan. What on earth do they hope to gain by doing that? Hostility at a time when the whole point is peace? Japan should maintain its current focus on enforcing sanctions and maintaining the pressure until a genuine breakthrough is achieved in writing and in physical actions. We haven't really seen that yet. Once that is achieved Japan should push for peace and seek to find a resolution on the abductee issue when the timing is right. Sidelining Japan is dumb. Its the third biggest economy in the world, a key U.S ally and in general a major player in Asia.
I don't go with the theory that Japan does not wish to see reunification. Why? They gain access to another 25 million people to sell stuff too. Is the theory that a united Korea will attack Japan? Give over. Japan is the number one U.S ally in the region. Every Western country will support Japan under any threat. Why start a war when the whole point of this exercise is peace?
I often get the impression that Japan only persues a thing if it suites Japans own self interest. If there is no benefit in it for Japan, then Japan won't really bother with it.
If Abe and gang would stop bleating about "comfort women" statues, it might be possible. With politicians who could listen as well as pontificate it might be possible. Unfortunately Abe, Aso, etc., don't have these skills.
The best thing is for Japan to butt out. After peace is achieved, and if North Korea has stabilized and wants diplomatic relations with Japan then maybe it could bring up the abductions. Until then, butt out. Opening your mouth could ruin everything.
Peace in the Korean peninsula is not in the best interest of Japan, or at least Abe. So no, unless the next PM is a forward thinking visionary who genuinely attempts to mend ties with Korea.
Yes, but only under certain circumstances, especially economic. This would, however, mean that N. Korea make major changes before this happens. Giving up its nukes would and should also be on the table.
At the moment, no. In the near or distant future, yes...maybe.
21 Comments
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thelonius
Best they stay out of it IMO
sf2k
probably just Korean schadenfreude
smithinjapan
They can only play a rule in ensuring it does not happen, which would benefit Abe and those who want to change the Constitution and use the instability on the peninsula as justification for remilitarization. That, and they still look at their neighbours with a view of inferiority.
Cogito Ergo Sum
I think Japan is VERY threatened by the prospect of a united Korea. I'd find Japan's financial participation in Korea VERY suspicious. UNLESS ,invited to do so by Korea, I will totally disagree.
Alexandre T. Ishii
Being Japan a country to spread a red carpet to all those countries relevant to sign the Peace Treaty of NK/SK, definitely YES!!
nandakandamanda
Like it or not, Japan is inextricably linked to Korea and its history, and there are coommon problems between them. There are useful aspects to Japan that can help the two halves move towards each other. Even if they do not like Japan, and even if they would not admit it on the public stage, there is respect mixed in there among their other emotions. This would be a chance for all of them, and for Japan, but can it work?
Poor English Speaker
If Japanese government doesn't expect any benefits from them, Japan can become an important role.
Bintaro
Not if they talk only about the abductions, they can't.
Matt Hartwell
It would be stupid for either Korea or any other player in the region to sideline Japan. What on earth do they hope to gain by doing that? Hostility at a time when the whole point is peace? Japan should maintain its current focus on enforcing sanctions and maintaining the pressure until a genuine breakthrough is achieved in writing and in physical actions. We haven't really seen that yet. Once that is achieved Japan should push for peace and seek to find a resolution on the abductee issue when the timing is right. Sidelining Japan is dumb. Its the third biggest economy in the world, a key U.S ally and in general a major player in Asia.
I don't go with the theory that Japan does not wish to see reunification. Why? They gain access to another 25 million people to sell stuff too. Is the theory that a united Korea will attack Japan? Give over. Japan is the number one U.S ally in the region. Every Western country will support Japan under any threat. Why start a war when the whole point of this exercise is peace?
Ex_Res
I often get the impression that Japan only persues a thing if it suites Japans own self interest. If there is no benefit in it for Japan, then Japan won't really bother with it.
lucabrasi
@Ex_Res
Sadly, that’s true of any nation on the planet.
oldman_13
Japan can, but not when Abe is at the helm.
This guy will ruin anything.
Jordi Puentealto
Why should "they (S. Korea, N. Korea, China and even the USA) want Japan to take any credit.
Toasted Heretic
Not with a man like Abe at the helm.
BertieWooster
If Abe and gang would stop bleating about "comfort women" statues, it might be possible. With politicians who could listen as well as pontificate it might be possible. Unfortunately Abe, Aso, etc., don't have these skills.
Pukey2
The best thing is for Japan to butt out. After peace is achieved, and if North Korea has stabilized and wants diplomatic relations with Japan then maybe it could bring up the abductions. Until then, butt out. Opening your mouth could ruin everything.
Heckleberry
Peace in the Korean peninsula is not in the best interest of Japan, or at least Abe. So no, unless the next PM is a forward thinking visionary who genuinely attempts to mend ties with Korea.
Jtsnose
Japan, as an International power, should offer to help establish peaceful relationships in the region.
stormcrow
Yes, but only under certain circumstances, especially economic. This would, however, mean that N. Korea make major changes before this happens. Giving up its nukes would and should also be on the table.
At the moment, no. In the near or distant future, yes...maybe.
simon g
They can offer trade incentives and cultural exchanges to a unified Korea. Wouldn't do any harm.