Ogata, Kasai discuss return of Korean cultural asset with S. Korean lawmakers

   On January 16, Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo and JCP House of Representatives member Kasai Akira, who were visiting South Korea, met with Grand National Party National Assembly member Choung Byoung-gug at Bong Seon Temple on the outskirts of Seoul and exchanged views on the return of Joseon Dynasty Uigwe, the Korean royal protocol that Japan plundered during its colonial rule of Korea.

   Cheol Am, priest of the Bong Seon Temple, serves as co-representative of the Committee for Return of the Royal Protocol

   Choung said that the South Korean Buddhist society is playing a leading role in a movement to get the cultural asset returned, and that he also strived to adopt a resolution calling for the return of the treasure at the National Assembly’s Culture and Tourism Committee.

   Ogata stressed the importance of promoting cultural exchanges between Japan and Korea in order to develop mutual ties.

   Kasai pointed out that because of efforts made by private organizations and parliamentarians of both countries, the return of the Korean cultural heritage has become an issue to be dealt with through Japan-Korea diplomatic channels. He said that he will continue to work together with Koreans to resolve this issue.

   On the following day, Ogata and Kasai met with Grand National Party National Assembly member Kim Jae-won at the National Assembly members’ building. Park Jung-ho, secretary general of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarian’s Union, was also present at the meting.

   Kim said that the return of the heritage will create an opportunity for deepening friendships not only between the two governments but also between the two peoples.

   Ogata and Kasai said that momentum to develop a better relationship with South Korea is also increasing in Japan.
- Akahata, January 18, 2008