President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi shake hands 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, engaging in a friendly cultural exchange aimed at highlighting the growing goodwill between the two countries.
On the second day of Lee’s visit to Japan, the two leaders appeared relaxed and cordial throughout the visit. Takaichi, who arrived at the temple ahead of schedule, greeted Lee upon his arrival.
As they shook hands, Lee remarked with concern that her hands felt cold. He also asked whether Takaichi, who grew up in Nara, had visited Horyuji on school excursions during her childhood.
President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tour Horyuji Temple in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
During the visit, Takaichi at one time gently held Lee’s arm to caution him about a step he had not noticed on the temple grounds. She also remarked that he appeared to be wearing the same sneakers he had worn the previous day.
Located in Nara prefecture, the historic site is among Japan’s oldest temples and is home to the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1993 and is widely recognized for its strong influences from the Buddhist culture and architectural techniques of Korea’s ancient 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 featuring interwoven blue and red stripes, a choice interpreted as symbolizing harmony between Korea and Japan. The day before, he wore a purple tie combining blue — often associated with Korea’s presidential office — and red, representing Japan. Takaichi again wore a blue-toned suit jacket, maintaining a coordinated visual theme for the bilateral visit.
These are gifts President Lee Jae Myung presented for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her spouse. Clockwise from top left are drum set and drumsticks, a stone plate set and a handcrafted brass tableware set. He also presented a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
Gifts Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi presented for President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung. Clockwise from top left are Casio wristwatches, a pouch and makeup brushes. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
Meanwhile, during a meeting with members of the Korean community in Japan, Lee expressed deep respect and gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices, adding that it was deeply regrettable that the tragic past between Korea and Japan has often overshadowed thousands of years of rich and constructive exchanges between the two countries that have been closely connected since ancient times.
Lee also offered renewed apologies and words of consolation to those who suffered, as well as to bereaved families, during Korea’s modern history. He noted that during periods of authoritarian rule after Korea’s liberation from Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule, the state unjustly labeled Koreans in Japan as spies, fabricating cases that left deep and lasting scars.
“When I hear the stories of Koreans in Japan who endured immense hardship abroad while never ceasing to support their homeland, my heart grows heavy,” Lee said.
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung take a commemorative photo with children at a meeting with members of the Korean community residing in the Kansai region at a venue in Nara prefecture, Japan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Lee also highlighted their support at critical moments in the nation’s history.
“From the 1988 Seoul Olympics to the Asian financial crisis, you stepped forward at moments of national trial,” he said. “More recently, you stood with us in lighting countless candles to help safeguard Korea’s democracy during the illegal martial law crisis,” he said, referring to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law imposition in December 2024 and the ensuing protests.
AloJapan.com