Koreans in Japan, long divided by their allegiance to the South or North, have been stepping up friendly exchanges since the historic summit in June between the Korean Peninsula's two leaders, according to a recent report by a pro-Seoul group.
Around 550 people participated in four events from January to May held jointly by local chapters of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryun) and the pro-Seoul Korean Residents Union in Japan (Mindan), the Mindan report says.
But from June to September, 3,200 people participated in 61 events in 19 prefectures. The summit in Pyongyang between South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il took place from June 13 to 15.