A turbulent year for Japan, earthquake, general election, etc...What is the relationship between Korea and Japan this year?

[Anchor]
Japan has had a tumultuous past year, including a major earthquake on the Noto Peninsula, conflicts over political reform and general elections.

We will also look into Japan's facial expressions that are expected to face various domestic and foreign variables in the new year of 2025.

Correspondent Kim Se-ho!

What is the atmosphere of the new year in Japan?

[Reporter]
Japan has many major disasters such as the Great Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the replacement of the prime minister, and the general election.I've spent the past year and just a little while ago, I welcomed the new year.

Japanese citizens visit nearby shrines and make their own wishes,
Many
wished for prices to stabilize and the economy to improve.

[Tani / Kansai Area Living: Wishing your family good health. The situation in the industry that I'm working in is not good, so I hope it gets better and better.

[Kanatani Kouki / Office worker: I've been in charge of sales for a year as an office worker, and I want to work harder to make sales work]

In addition, there were voices calling for more stability and smooth diplomacy in the country's politics.

[Anchor]
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, so how are you looking forward to Korea-Japan relations in the new year?

[Reporter]
Both Korea and Japan are trying to continue various cooperation projects ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.

However, the suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol's duties has made it more difficult than ever to predict the flow of Korea-Japan relations.

Shuttle diplomacy and ministerial-level talks between the leaders were also suspended without promise, with Prime Minister Ishiba's visit to Korea canceled.

Japan is paying keen attention to the possibility that the Yoon Suk Yeol government's stance toward Japan will also change if South Korea goes to an early presidential election.

On top of that, Prime Minister Ishiba could also face calls for his resignation within the first half of the year if he fails to rebound his low approval rating.

In addition, the Japanese government's passive attitude on the issue of forced Korean workers,
The Japanese leadership's regressive perception of past history, including visits to Yasukuni by members of the
National Assembly and key Cabinet members, is also a stumbling block to improving relations between Korea and Japan.

I'm Kim Se-ho of YTN in Tokyo.