○ Governor Nam proposes to Mr. Shinzo Abe that he adopt a more progressive approach to the comfort women issue
○ Asks President Fukushiro Nukaga of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians League and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida to make further efforts to improve bilateral relations
○ Listens to the views of Japanese businesses investing in Gyeonggi-do
– Promises to consider holding regular sessions to listen to the opinions of Japanese businesses in Gyeonggi-do
○ Hold a session with Mr. Takao Kashiwagi, a professor emeritus of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and an expert on the energy policy adopted by the Gyeonggi Province, asking him to pay a visit to the office

Governor Nam Kyung-pil, who is currently visiting Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met with various Japanese political and business leaders and discussed how to improve the relationship between the two countries and invigorate Japanese investment in his province.

On the afternoon of February 10, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil paid a visit to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his official residence, where the two had a closed-door meeting for half an hour. It is said that the Governor Nam suggested that Mr. Abe adopt a more progressive approach to the comfort women issue in a bid to open the way to a summit between the leaders of the two countries.

It has been reported that Mr. Nam Kyung-pil, during his visit to the Japanese premier, said, “The remaining ex-comfort women are now living in a welfare facility in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. If you adopt an approach based on respect for the human rights of these women, it will strike a chord with many Koreans. Please adopt a more progressive approach toward the issue in order to open the way to a summit between the leaders of our two countries.” It is said that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe responded affirmatively, saying that he could comprehend the indescribable pain felt by the ex-comfort women and that he regarded Mr. Nam’s proposal as “a good idea.” 

Prior to his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Governor Nam Kyung-pil met with President Fukushiro Nukaga of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians League on the morning of February 10 and stressed that Japanese leaders should take more positive steps toward the restoration of relations with South Korea. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga responded, saying, “We proposed specific ideas to settle the pending issues between the two countries, but South Korea was not in a situation to accept our proposals. It is important that both sides strive to find a good way forward.” He added that, in his speech made at the Japanese Diet, President Kim Dae-jung had said that Japan’s post-war contribution to the international community should be praised, although the country’s past wrongdoing, including its responsibility for starting the Pacific War could not be forgiven. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga said that such an attitude on the part of President Kim Dae-jung led directly to Prime Minister Obuchi Keijo’s apology for Japan’s past wrongdoings against Korea. Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga added, “Thus, the relationship between the two countries improved and South Korea was able to appreciate the hallyu (Korean wave) phenomenon among Japanese fans. Koreans need to give credit to what the Japanese do well. A good relationship requires effort on both sides.”

At his meeting with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida on the afternoon of February 10, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil stressed that the Japanese leader should make more positive efforts to restore the bilateral relationship with South Korea. Mr. Fumio Kishida responded, “The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our countries. Let’s work together to foster a good atmosphere in the face of various difficulties. I agree with your view that the comfort women issue should be settled from the perspective of women’s human rights. Let’s see what the two countries can do to resolve this difficult situation.” The Gyeonggi Governor said, “I understand that there will be a tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan, and China soon. I hope that the meeting will lead to a summit between South Korea and Japan through the efforts made by Mr. Fumio Kishida.”

In the meantime, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil carried out activities designed to encourage Japanese businesses to invest more heavily in his province. He invited nineteen representatives of Japanese businesses investing in Gyeonggi-do, including Hitachi Metals and Denso International, to an informal meeting at the Tokyo Studio of Tokyo Toranomon Hills. At the meeting, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil said, “Business activities are not affected by the currently sour relationship between South Korea and Japan. I would like to ask you to invest more in the Second Pangyo Valley in my province.” After listening to what Japanese businesses had to say about their activities in South Korea, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil said that he would do his best to resolve all their problems in consultation with the ministries of the central government. He also promised to consider holding regular sessions for listening to the opinions expressed by Japanese businesses in Gyeonggi-do.

As the last item remaining on his itinerary in Japan, Mr. Nam Kyung-pil had a session with Mr. Takao Kashiwagi, a professor emeritus of the Tokyo Institute of Technology and an expert in the energy policy adopted by the Gyeonggi Province. Professor Takao Kashiwagi responded affirmatively to Mr. Nam Kyung-pil’s request that he pay a visit to the Gyeonggi Province and give advice on its new energy policy.

Mr. Nam Kyung-pil returned home on an evening flight on February 10.