Kishida speaks with Yoon as Japan-South Korea ties remain chilly

Both sides agree to hold face-to-face meeting as early as possible

A statue symbolizing former South Korean "comfort women" is seen during an anti-Japan rally in Seoul. © Reuters

RYUTO IMAO, Nikkei staff writer

March 11, 2022 04:38 JST

Updated on March 11, 2022 14:23 JST

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a 15-minute phone call with South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday, as Tokyo gauges the incoming conservative political newcomer's views on historical grievances that have darkened bilateral relations for decades.