President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shake fingers at Horyuji Temple in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
NARA, Japan — President Lee Jae Myung visited Horyuji Temple with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Wednesday, partaking in a pleasant cultural trade aimed toward highlighting the rising goodwill between the 2 international locations.
On the second day of Lee’s go to to Japan, the 2 leaders appeared relaxed and cordial all through the go to. Takaichi, who arrived on the temple forward of schedule, greeted Lee upon his arrival.
As they shook fingers, Lee remarked with concern that her fingers felt chilly. He additionally requested whether or not Takaichi, who grew up in Nara, had visited Horyuji on college excursions throughout her childhood.
President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tour Horyuji Temple in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Throughout the go to, Takaichi at one time gently held Lee’s arm to warning him a few step he had not observed on the temple grounds. She additionally remarked that he gave the impression to be sporting the identical sneakers he had worn the day prior to this.
Situated in Nara prefecture, the historic website is amongst Japan’s oldest temples and is dwelling to the world’s oldest surviving picket buildings. It was designated Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage website in 1993 and is widely known for its robust influences from the Buddhist tradition and architectural strategies of Korea’s historic Baekje and Goguryeo kingdoms.
President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tour Horyuji Temple in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Lee wore a necktie that includes interwoven blue and pink stripes, a selection interpreted as symbolizing concord between Korea and Japan. The day earlier than, he wore a purple tie combining blue — typically related to Korea’s presidential workplace — and pink, representing Japan. Takaichi once more wore a blue-toned go well with jacket, sustaining a coordinated visible theme for the bilateral go to.
These are presents President Lee Jae Myung offered for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her partner. Clockwise from high left are drum set and drumsticks, a stone plate set and a handcrafted brass tableware set. He additionally offered a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
Presents Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered for President Lee Jae Myung and first woman Kim Hea Kyung. Clockwise from high left are Casio wristwatches, a pouch and make-up brushes. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
In the meantime, throughout a gathering with members of the Korean group in Japan, Lee expressed deep respect and gratitude for his or her dedication and sacrifices, including that it was deeply regrettable that the tragic previous between Korea and Japan has typically overshadowed 1000’s of years of wealthy and constructive exchanges between the 2 international locations which have been intently linked since historic occasions.
Lee additionally provided renewed apologies and phrases of comfort to those that suffered, in addition to to bereaved households, throughout Korea’s trendy historical past. He famous that in durations of authoritarian rule after Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule, the state unjustly labeled Koreans in Japan as spies, fabricating instances that left deep and lasting scars.
“After I hear the tales of Koreans in Japan who endured immense hardship overseas whereas by no means ceasing to help their homeland, my coronary heart grows heavy,” Lee mentioned.
President Lee Jae Myung and first woman Kim Hea Kyung take a commemorative photograph with kids at a gathering with members of the Korean group residing within the Kansai area at a venue in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Lee additionally highlighted their help at important moments within the nation’s historical past.
“From the 1988 Seoul Olympics to the Asian monetary disaster, you stepped ahead at moments of nationwide trial,” he mentioned. “Extra lately, you stood with us in lighting numerous candles to assist safeguard Korea’s democracy through the unlawful martial regulation disaster,” he mentioned, referring to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial regulation imposition in December 2024 and the following protests.
