Japan controlled the Korean peninsula as a colony from 1910-1945, with the legacy of the harsh rule marring relations with both North and South Korea today. South Korea and Japan were on the verge of signing a deal in June 2012, but Seoul suddenly backtracked, with Japanese media blaming anti-Japanese sentiment among the South Korean public for the move. Both sides reopened talks last month following North Korea's continued advances in its nuclear and missile programmes, which are seen as a threat in both countries. However Tokyo lauded the agreement, saying the move was "important" for checking North Korea's power. "It is important that Japan and South Korea cooperate to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile issues," top Japanese government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters.

Source: The Nation Bangkok November 14, 2016 11:04 UTC