South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's January 13-14, 2026, visit to Japan for a summit with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara City has been confirmed, building on December planning reports. The leaders will address regional security, global challenges, economic ties, and social issues at the meeting and a follow-up dinner, aiming to foster future-oriented bilateral relations.
Confirming earlier arrangements reported in December by Japanese media such as Mainichi Shimbun, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will visit Japan on January 13-14, 2026. The centerpiece is a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara City—Takaichi's hometown and home to sites like UNESCO-listed Todaiji Temple—followed by a working dinner.
Discussions will encompass regional security, global affairs, economic cooperation, and social matters. Lee's office emphasized that the summit "aims to reinforce the goal of developing South Korea-Japan relations in a future-oriented, stable direction." The leaders will also participate in joint diplomatic events.
Additionally, President Lee will meet with South Korean residents in Japan. This visit continues shuttle diplomacy momentum from prior meetings, including October 2025 sidelines talks in Gyeongju and November in Johannesburg, supporting stable regional ties amid historical sensitivities.
