Japan's Two Koreas Policy and the Problems of Korean Unification

Abstract

The stormy winds that blew over the Korean straits for nearly two decades subsided with the conclusion of the Japanese-Korean normalization treaties of October, 1965. But the waves in the straits dividing Japan from Korea and the Asian continent are still too rough to cross over; it may take years for these two neighbors to exchange an amicable dialogue without hesitation and prejudice. Considering the long-standing bitterness and intense animosity of the pre-treaty era, the achievements during the first year of the treaty were truly remarkable, especially in the area of cultural and economic cooperation. It is surprising to find out how rapidly the mood of a people can change in such a short span of time. They may not regard each other as trusted friends or allies, but each has begun to realize that its next door neighbor is not the villain he was formerly reputed to be. Yet there are still many issues which might severely disturb the future development of the relationship. One of these is, no doubt, Japan's two Koreas policy. Many Japanese claim that by solidifying the existing dividing line between North and South, the normalization treaties would tend to obstruct the possible unification of Korea.' They also maintain that the national interests of Japan dictate that it pursue its present two Koreas policy rather than a one Korea policy aimed at developing South Korea as a firm friend and eventual ally. Furthermore, they insist that the renunciation of the two Koreas policy would antagonize the Korean people and increase tensions in Northeast Asia; they fear that the treaties would drag Japan too far into Korean problems and, as a consequence, Japan would not be able to extricate itself from a general conflict in Asia.2 This paper attempts to analyze the validity of these arguments and, in particular, to examine the exact nature of Japan's two Koreas policy and its impact on the unification of Korea. Although Japanese and Korean newspapers, academic journals and gov-