Between Animosity and Reconciliation: Japan-ROK Relations
Abstract
Historical animosities within the Republic of Korea over Japanese atrocities committed prior to and during World War II continue to be evident in many aspects of contemporary Japan-ROK relations. Reconciling historical animosities has become an important aspect of Japan-ROK relations because they present a major hurdle in developing stronger bilateral ties between two major alliance partners with the United States. This thesis examines how state-led historical narratives, national mythmaking, and the promotion of self-other identities have influenced the intergovernmental and people-to-people reconciliation process and how they are preventing deep interstate reconciliation from occurring today. This thesis finds that postwar historical narratives and national myths have solidified divergent collective memories and cultural identities within Japanese and Korean societies that have negatively impacted their ability to permanently reconcile historical animosities. Specifically, reconciliation efforts are hindered by revisionist narratives over Japan's colonial occupation of Korea (1910-1945) as the issues of comfort women, forced labor, and territorial disputes have elevated divergent perceptions to crises of national identity. Understanding the barriers to greater reconciliation in Japan-ROK relations has implications for reconciliations important role in providing stability within the East Asian region that aligns with the interests of the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1184947
Entities
People
- Graham Johnson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School