While North and South Korea are moving dramatically toward rapprochement as a result of the inter-Korean summit in June, Japanese and North Korean officials are set to meet again next month to discuss ways to normalize relations. Establishing diplomatic ties with Pyongyang, along with settling the territorial dispute with Russia, is the most important postwar issue for Japan.
Basically, two things need to be done to bring the normalization talks to a successful conclusion. First, leaders of the two nations should embrace the principle of proactive engagement in a common endeavor to create a new order in Northeast Asia. Second, they should make bold political decisions to coordinate divergent interests at home and abroad.
In the last round of talks held in August in Tokyo, the two sides remained at odds over two key issues -- the alleged abduction of Japanese civilians by North Korean agents and North Korea's missile development and deployment program.