Japan voted for South Korea's successful bid to become a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council during a U.N. General Assembly election in mid-October, sources close to bilateral ties said.
The move was aimed at improving ties between the two countries at a time when Japan's relations with China remain mired over competing claims to the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands.
Given a lack of easing in South Korea's position on the Takeshima islets in the Sea of Japan that are claimed by Japan but controlled by South Korea, Tokyo's support for Seoul's membership on the U.N. Security Council, which will start in January, may raise eyebrows at home.