A reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan was held at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo on June 19. Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan, the event welcomed about 1,000 attendees, including leading political, business, and cultural figures from both countries.

In his remarks, South Korean Ambassador Park Cheol-hee reflected on 60 years of growth in Korea-Japan relations and called for continued efforts to ensure a hopeful future for both nations. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru acknowledged the two countries’ complex history but emphasized the value of ongoing exchanges and the importance of close communication, especially amid today’s challenging strategic environment.

The event also featured cultural performances by Korean and Japanese high school students and artists, along with promotional booths highlighting Korean culture.
Diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan were formally established on June 22, 1965, with the signing of the Treaty on Basic Relations Between Japan and the Republic of Korea. The agreement normalized ties two decades after the end of Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.

Luis A.
Staff Reporter
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