Japan-South Korea clash over war legacy eclipses shared interests

Analysts say only top-level dialogue will enable the two neighbors to move on

Japan's fractious relationship with South Korea has taken a clear turn for the worse over the past five years. (Source photo by Reuters)

ANDREW SHARP, Nikkei staff writer and STEVEN BOROWIEC, Contributing writer

August 14, 2020 12:36 JST

TOKYO/SEOUL -- Five years ago, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attempted to reset ties with Japan's neighbors and put to bed his nation's wartime legacy.

In a much anticipated statement on Aug. 14, 2015, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Asia, Abe said: "Upon the innocent people did our country inflict immeasurable damage and suffering. History is harsh. What is done cannot be undone."