August 25, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo, as an advisor to the Japan-South Korea Parliamentarians’ Union, took part in a meeting between visiting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and the cross-party parliamentarians’ group held in Tokyo on August 24.

Lee delivered a speech expressing appreciation for the opportunity to talk with Japanese parliamentarians. Describing relations between South Korea and Japan as very important, he expressed his hope for a future-oriented development in bilateral ties. In addition, he said that despite difficult challenges facing both two countries, he is convinced that efforts to understand and consider each other’s positions will help ensure cooperative ties between the two countries.

After Lee’s speech, representatives of Japanese political parties spoke.

Shii noted that the South Korean president emphasized the importance of understanding and considering each other’s positions, and said, “I completely agree with the president. That is the key to advancing an amicable relationship between Japan and South Korea.”

He continued to say, “In order for a further development of bilateral friendship, I believe it is crucial to carry on to the present day the heart of the 1993 Kono Statement, the 1995 Murayama Statement, and the 1998 Japan-South Korea Partnership Declaration. Regarding pending issues between the two countries, namely the ‘comfort women’ issue and the issue of wartime Korean forced laborers, the most important thing is to restore the victims’ honor and dignity. In this regard, the need is for the Japanese government to deal with the issues in a sincere manner.”

Shii brought up the topic of peacebuilding in Ease Asia, and stressed, “The essential thing is to improve the East Asia Summit, in which Japan and South Korea participate, in collaboration with ASEAN, and to put a lot of effort in diplomacy aimed at building a framework of peace which includes all countries concerned.” He expressed his determination to work hard as a member of the Japan-South Korea Parliamentarians’ Union to promote bilateral relations.

Lee emphasized that resolving historical issues in a positive manner is good for the peoples of the two countries as well as for building peace in Asia. He said that he hopes that South Korea and Japan will become true friends and true brothers.