Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and visiting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met for summit talks in the ancient Japanese capital of Nara on January 13.

The two earlier met in October 2025 when Takaichi visited South Korea’s Gyeongju for the APEC summit shortly after she took office as Japan’s first female prime minister.

As part of shuttle diplomacy in which the leaders take turns visiting each other’s countries, Takaichi hosted Lee at her hometown in western Japan.

After the talks, Takaichi announced that the two sides agreed to move forward with discussions on strengthening cooperation in fields including economic security.

S/ Takaichi Sanae, Japanese Prime Minister / We shared recognition about the strategic importance of Japan-South Korea relations and confirmed that our two countries should work together to play a role in regional stability. We also acknowledged the significance of strategic cooperation, including security collaboration between Japan and South Korea as well as trilaterally with the United States.

The Japanese leader also said she had in-depth discussions with Lee regarding cooperation on supply chains.

The move confirms cooperation with South Korea toward building supply chains that do not rely on China, as Beijing has been tightening restrictions on exports to Japan.

Takaichi and Lee also reaffirmed cooperation toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea and agreed to continue with shuttle diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Lee said he noted during the talks with Takaichi that Japan, China and South Korea should work on finding as much common ground as possible, communicate effectively and cooperate with one another.

This was the first time Takaichi hosted a foreign leader in Nara.

In addition to a dinner reception on January 13, the two leaders are scheduled to visit Horyuji, a Buddhist temple founded in the year 607, the following day.