History of Japan–Korea relations facts for kids

Japanese and the Korean peninsula are separated by the Sea of Japan

For more than 1,500 years, Japan and Korea have shared a complex relationship. This includes cultural exchanges, trade, political talks, and even military conflicts. These past events still shape how the two countries interact today. In ancient times, people and ideas often traveled from mainland Asia to Japan through the Korean Peninsula. This led to many cultural exchanges and trade between them.

After World War II in 1945, the relationship changed to involve three states: Japan, North Korea, and South Korea. In the late 1800s, Japan worked to separate Korea from China's influence. Japan even fought wars over this issue. Japan then took control of Korea in 1910 with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty.

When Japan lost World War II, Soviet forces took control of northern Korea. American forces took control of southern Korea. The 38th parallel line divided them. South Korea became independent on August 15, 1945, and North Korea on September 9, 1945. In June 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting the Korean War. United Nations forces, including those from South Korea, the US, and Europe, pushed North Korea back. China then joined the war, leading to a stalemate near the 38th parallel. An armistice (a ceasefire) was signed in 1953, which is still in effect today.

Formal diplomatic ties between Japan and South Korea began in 1965. However, relations became difficult in the early 2000s. This happened when Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine every year. There are also ongoing disagreements over the Liancourt Rocks (called "Dokdo" in Korea). These are small islands near Korea's Ulleungdo and Japan's Oki Islands. Japan and North Korea also discuss the issue of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. However, Japan does not officially recognize North Korea as a country. Disputes over history and history textbooks have also made relations difficult.

Ancient Connections and Cultural Exchange
- The Fall of Baekje and Its Impact
- Pirates and Mongol Invasions
Early Modern Period: War and New Beginnings
- The Imjin War (1592–1598)
Japan's Growing Influence in the 19th Century
The 20th Century: Japanese Rule and Division
Japan and Korea in the 21st Century
See also

Ancient Connections and Cultural Exchange

Relations between Korea and Japan began at least 2,000 years ago. After 300 BC, people from the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla) and Gaya in Korea moved to the Kyushu region of Japan. Important knowledge from mainland Asia reached Japan through Korea. For example, Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Korea.

By the 4th and 5th centuries AD, Baekje and Gaya often sent aid to Japan. This included economic, cultural, and technological help. In return, Japan provided military support in their wars against Silla and Goguryeo. Records show Baekje sent monks, scholars, Buddhist items, books, and medicines to Japan. Japan sent thousands of soldiers, horses, and ships. Over time, Baekje's importance to Japan lessened as Silla and Goguryeo grew stronger.

The Fall of Baekje and Its Impact

Uija, the last king of Baekje (641–660), formed an alliance with Japan. He sent Prince Buyeo Pung and King Zenko to Japan as guests. In 660, Baekje fell when it was attacked by Silla and Tang China. Japan saw Baekje as a close friend and ally. Empress Saimei of Japan decided to send troops to help Baekje.

Former Baekje generals asked Japan to send back Prince Buyeo Pung and provide military aid. Japan sent tens of thousands of troops and many ships to Korea. However, in 663, Japan and Baekje were defeated by Silla and Tang China at the Battle of Baekgang. This ended the attempt to restore Baekje. After Baekje fell, many Korean refugees, including craftspeople, architects, and scholars, moved to Japan. They played a big role in Japan's social development.

Pirates and Mongol Invasions

From the early 9th to 11th centuries, Japanese pirates attacked the southern coast of Korea. This made relations between Korea and Japan worse.

In the middle Kamakura period, Japan faced invasions from the Mongol Empire and its ally, Goryeo (Korea). The Mongols ordered the Korean king to build 1,000 warships to invade Japan. However, two Mongol-Korean fleets were destroyed by storms. This led to the legend of the Kamikaze, or "divine winds," that protected Japan. The Japanese saying, "The Mongol and Goguryeo demons are coming!" comes from this time. "Kokuri" (Goguryeo) referred to the Goryeo soldiers who joined the Mongols.

Early Modern Period: War and New Beginnings

During Japan's Muromachi and Sengoku periods, pirates from Kyushu attacked ships along the coasts of Korea and China. These pirates were known as "wako." In the 15th century, Japanese lords from Tsushima set up three trading ports on Korea's southern coast. These were called waegwan and allowed Japanese envoys and merchants to trade freely.

The Imjin War (1592–1598)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had united Japan, decided to conquer Ming Dynasty China by going through Korea. Korea refused to let Japanese forces pass. King Seonjo of Korea warned China about the Japanese threat. Japan quickly occupied most of the Korean peninsula in three months. The Korean king moved to Pyongyang, then Uiju.

In 1593, the Ming Chinese emperor sent his army and recaptured Pyongyang. However, the Japanese army gathered in Seoul and successfully fought back against China. While Korean land forces struggled in many battles, the Korean Navy, led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, won almost all naval battles. He decisively defeated the Japanese fleet, cutting off their supply lines. This helped stop the Japanese invasion on the Korean peninsula.

Hideyoshi died in September 1598, which led to a stalemate. The Council of Five Elders ordered the remaining Japanese forces in Korea to retreat. After the war, Japan began a policy called Sakoku, which meant isolating itself from the world. Japanese people were forbidden from going abroad, and those who returned faced the death penalty. This policy ended Japanese piracy. During the invasion, much of Korea's cultural heritage was destroyed or stolen by the Japanese armies.

The Imjin War deeply affected Korea. Many Korean experts believe it helped create a strong sense of Korean nationalism. Korean historian Kim Haboush notes that the widespread involvement of civilian volunteer armies showed a growing national identity. This was strengthened by anti-Japanese feelings among Koreans from all parts of society.

Diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan were restored in 1609. This happened when the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan began trading with Korea again. They signed the Treaty of Giyu with the Sō clan of Tsushima Island. This treaty established a relationship of near equality through mutual visits. Korean messengers were sent to Japan 11 times between 1607 and 1811. These missions paid respect to new shoguns or celebrated the birth of an heir.

Japan's Growing Influence in the 19th Century

From the late 18th to late 19th centuries, Western countries tried to influence Asian nations. They used ideas like "protectorate" (a country controlled by another) and "sphere of influence." Japan, which was rapidly modernizing, wanted to join these efforts. The Seikanron ("advocacy of a punitive expedition to Korea") debate began in Japan in 1873.

Some Japanese leaders, like Saigō Takamori, argued that Japan should confront Korea. Korea had refused to recognize the new Japanese emperor. They also saw this as a way to provide jobs for thousands of samurai who had lost their roles. Taking control of Korea would give Japan a base on the Asian continent and raw materials for its industries.

However, others, like Ōkubo Toshimichi, argued against it. They believed Japan's military was too weak to fight Western powers. An invasion of Korea could lead to a devastating war. Japan's financial system was also not ready for a major war. These arguments led to the "Korean crisis" debate ending without an invasion.

As China's power weakened in the mid-1800s, Korea resisted its traditional role as a dependent state. Japan was modernizing quickly in the second half of the 19th century. Japan worried that China or Russia might use Korea to threaten Japan. With the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1876, Japan expanded its settlements and gained a trading area in Busan.

A conflict continued in the Korean court between Heungseon Daewongun and Empress Myeongseong (King Gojong's wife). In 1882, China's military captured Daewongun. Queen Min's family then gained power. Relations between Korea and Japan did not improve, as Queen Min's family became more pro-China.

When Japan defeated China in 1895 in the First Sino-Japanese War, the Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed. This treaty removed China's control over Korea. Japan became worried when Russia increased its influence in Korea. Russia gained rights to mines and timber. Japan's victory in the war freed Korea from China's system of tribute. Japan then began to increase its influence in Korea. However, Queen Min's family tried to protect Korea from Japan's rising power.

In 1895, Queen Min was killed by Japan's military. This was in response to her efforts to promote Russian influence and resist Japan. Her assassination was a shocking event for the Korean people. This event and other Japanese actions caused strong opposition. Many scholars and farmers formed "righteous armies" to fight for Korean freedom.

In 1897, Joseon was renamed the Korean Empire. This showed its independence. However, it moved closer to Russia, with the king even ruling from the Russian embassy for a time.

The 20th Century: Japanese Rule and Division

Japanese Protectorate and Annexation

Japan declared war on Russia to remove Russian influence from Korea. Korea declared itself neutral. Japan's victory in the Russo-Japanese War led to the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905. Under this treaty, Korea became a protectorate of Japan. Japanese officials gained more control over Korea's government. However, Koreans strongly resisted Japan's modernizing programs.

Emperor Gojong did not accept this treaty. He sent secret envoys to the Hague Peace Conference in 1907 to say the treaty was forced and invalid. But no country supported his envoys. In July 1907, Japan imposed the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907. This gave Japan full control over Korea's internal affairs. Japan also disbanded the Korean Empire's army.

Itō Hirobumi became the first Resident-General of Korea, taking full control. In 1909, An Jung-geun assassinated Ito Hirobumi. This assassination led to Japan fully annexing Korea. On August 22, 1910, Japan officially took over the Korean Empire with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty. This showed the world that Japan was the strongest power in East Asia. No major powers strongly opposed this.

Korea Under Japanese Rule

During the time Korea was under Japanese rule, over 100,000 Koreans served in the Imperial Japanese Army. Some joined voluntarily, others were forced. Many Korean women were also sent to support the war effort.

Kim Il-sung led a Korean independence movement near the borders of China and Russia. He joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1931. He fought in the Communist-led Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. One famous victory for Kim Il-sung was the Battle of Pochonbo in June 1937. He led Korean and Chinese fighters in a surprise raid on a Japanese garrison. Kim Il-sung later founded North Korea. His family still rules North Korea today, and they have not signed a peace treaty with Japan.

The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was led by Syngman Rhee, who later became South Korea's first president. This government moved from Shanghai to Chongqing, China. It organized armed resistance against the Japanese army in the 1920s and 1930s. This included battles like Battle of Fengwudong (June 1920) and Battle of Qingshanli (October 1920). Korean independence activists often fled to China, Russia, and the United States. There, they planned to restore Korea's independence.

When Japan invaded China in 1937, the Provisional Government created the Korean Liberation Army. This army fought alongside Chinese forces against Japan. The Korean Liberation Army fought in guerrilla warfare actions against the Japanese until Japan surrendered in 1945. Japanese control of Korea ended on September 9, 1945. The Japanese Governor-General of Korea signed the surrender document to the United States in Seoul.

After World War II

At the end of World War II, Korea became independent after 35 years of Japanese rule. Based on agreements from the Yalta Conference, Soviet forces accepted Japan's surrender in northern Korea. U.S. forces accepted surrender in southern Korea. Korea was then divided into Soviet (North Korean) and U.S. (South Korean) areas.

South Korea at first refused diplomatic and trade relations with Japan. The early South Korean government gained support by opposing Japan and North Korea. Official diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea began in 1965. This was when the Treaty on Basic Relations was signed. Japan then recognized the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as the only legal government on the Korean Peninsula. Because of this, North Korea does not have official diplomatic ties with Japan.

Japan and Korea in the 21st Century

Despite historical tensions, Japan and Korea have found ways to interact. In recent years, they jointly hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Also, South Korean pop culture, known as the "Korean Wave" (Hallyu), became very popular in Japan. This led to a craze for Korean movies, dramas, and popular music in Japan. In return, Japanese pop culture, like anime, manga, and video games, became popular in South Korea.

Economically, China, South Korea, and Japan joined the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2022. This agreement covers a large part of the world's population. It has helped lower tariffs (taxes on imports) and increased trade between the regions. This agreement has also led to talks for a China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Agreement. This shows how important economic ties are becoming in global politics.

The two countries also work together on other issues. Both Japan and South Korea work to counter the threat from North Korea. They also aim for stronger relations with the United States. For example, in late September, South Korea, the US, and Japan held joint anti-submarine drills. This was in response to North Korean missile tests. In late October, they discussed North Korea and agreed on a response if North Korea resumed nuclear testing.

Despite more cultural exchange, political tensions still exist. Japan's colonial rule still causes strong feelings. For example, there was outrage when former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine every year from 2001 to 2006. This shrine honors deceased Japanese soldiers, some of whom committed war crimes in Korea. When Japanese leaders visit the shrine, many South Koreans see it as a sign that Japan does not feel sorry for its colonization of Korea. Because of Koizumi's visits, South Koreans protested heavily, and a planned meeting between him and South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung was canceled.

Another source of tension is their different views on China. China has become a bigger security concern for Japan. This is mainly because China is more assertive about its claims to the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, which Japan currently controls. South Korea, however, does not have land disputes with China and does not see it as a military threat. South Korea wants to improve relations with China because it is a strong economic partner. China also gives South Korea some influence over North Korea. Japan feels that South Korea is putting its relationship with China ahead of its relationship with Japan. Japan wants East Asian democracies like South Korea to help balance China's growing power.

In 2019, Japan placed controls on the export of semiconductor materials to South Korea. It also removed South Korea from its "preferred trading nations" list. Experts believe these controls might be in response to South Korean courts ruling that Japanese companies should pay for forced Korean laborers during World War II.

On August 18, 2023, Japan signed a three-way agreement with South Korea and the United States.