Amid tensions, S. Korea and Japan hold cultural festival
- 5 years ago
한국인 급감에…한일축제서 "교류 흔들림 없이" 입 모은 日정부
Despite worsening ties between South Korea and Japan, a festival is being held this weekend in Tokyo for an 11th straight year aimed at encouraging cultural exchanges.
High-ranking Japanese government officials who participated emphasized the event's significance, saying that even when there are problems between the two governments, cultural exchanges will keep their friendly relations strong.
Japan's minister of tourism, Kazuyoshi Akaba ( ), added that as a person who has worked on their bilateral relations for a long time, it breaks his heart to see that the trade dispute has caused a drop in the number of Koreans visiting Japan,... by 48 percent compared to last year.
South Korea's vice-minister of culture, Noh Tae-gang, said he hopes their cultural exchanges continue with efforts from both countries.
Despite worsening ties between South Korea and Japan, a festival is being held this weekend in Tokyo for an 11th straight year aimed at encouraging cultural exchanges.
High-ranking Japanese government officials who participated emphasized the event's significance, saying that even when there are problems between the two governments, cultural exchanges will keep their friendly relations strong.
Japan's minister of tourism, Kazuyoshi Akaba ( ), added that as a person who has worked on their bilateral relations for a long time, it breaks his heart to see that the trade dispute has caused a drop in the number of Koreans visiting Japan,... by 48 percent compared to last year.
South Korea's vice-minister of culture, Noh Tae-gang, said he hopes their cultural exchanges continue with efforts from both countries.