In their summit talks on January 13, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung confirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation on economic security.

Takaichi said she and Lee engaged in in-depth discussions particularly on supply chain cooperation.

As China tightens export restrictions on Japan, government officials had emphasized before the summit meeting with South Korea the importance of diversifying supply chains to reduce reliance on China.

Officials said they believe the summit outcomes aligned with their expectations.

Concerning China, Lee is said to have told Takaichi during their talks that Japan, China and South Korea must find as much common ground as possible, communicate closely and work together.

At the dinner, officials said dishes featured agricultural products from Takaichi’s home prefecture of Nara cooked with Korean culinary touches to symbolize bilateral relations.

As for gifts, the South Korean president presented Korean tableware and a watch to Takaichi’s husband and a drum set and drumsticks to the Japanese prime minister herself, who is known to have played drums in a band while in school.

After their joint press announcement, Takaichi and Lee held informal talks and played the drums together, apparently using music to strengthen their personal rapport.

Both the Japanese and South Korean governments have released videos of their performance to BTS’s “Dynamite” and other songs.