There is widespread consensus in the government of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that relations with Seoul are unlikely to improve while President Moon Jae-in remains in office. © Reuters

Abe tells aides to brace for 5-year chill in South Korea ties

Tokyo looks to turn diplomatic efforts elsewhere despite visit by Moon's deputy

GAKU SHIMADA, Nikkei staff writer

October 19, 2019 15:03 JST

TOKYO -- South Korean diplomats looking to mend frayed ties will likely find a chilly reception in Tokyo when they arrive for Japanese Emperor Naruhito's upcoming enthronement ceremony. With South Korean President Moon Jae-in staying home, there is little chance the bilateral relationship will see any improvement.

Instead, Seoul will send Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, a Japan specialist fluent in Japanese, to the once-in-a-generation event on Tuesday. The Japanese government expects dignitaries from 160 to 170 countries.