September 13, 2022

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on September 12 received a visit by the new South Korean Ambassador to Japan Yun Dok-min at the JCP head office in Tokyo.


The ambassador expressed his intent to settle the history-related disputes between the two countries over wartime Korean forced laborers in Japan and the so-called Japanese military “comfort women” and restore bilateral relations to a healthy state without delay.

Shii extended his congratulations and welcome the ambassador.

Talking about his view on how to improve the two nations’ relations, Shii referred to the Tokyo-Seoul partnership declaration which was signed in 1998 by then Japanese Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo and then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. He pointed out that this was the first diplomatic document that included remorse and apologies on the part of Japan for its colonial rule. He said, “I think Japan should stand firm on the principles of the 1998 declaration, which can be the basis for strengthening bilateral ties. To restore the honor and dignity of Korean victims is necessary to resolve the historical issues.”

In addition, Shii explained the JCP’s diplomatic vision which seeks to enhance the existing framework for peace, such as the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit, and turn East Asia into a region of peace and cooperation where any conflict will be solved through diplomatic means.