Without a doubt, Japan’s relations with South Korea are at one of the lowest points in the period since the normalization of relations in 1965. For some time now, officials in Tokyo have found the relationship with Seoul frustrating and difficult. Public opinion seems to be following. In annual binational polling by Genron NPO, 23% more Japanese see the bilateral relationship negatively compared with 2018.¹ Japanese business executives are pessimistic about their ability to turn around this recent deterioration.² Even the military, long careful to maintain close ties with counterparts in South Korea, seem to have succumbed to the negative sentiments and claim a loss of trust in the US ally most necessary to Japan’s defense.³ 

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