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A Symposium on Normalization of Japan-DPRK Relation was held in
Osaka on November 3, 2009.
Geographically, Japan and the DPRK are the closest to each other.
Nevertheless, there has not been established normalized diplomacy
between these two countries yet. Due to the hostile policies of the
successive Japanese administrations toward the DPRK as well as and
persistent unilateral propaganda campaigns, erroneous understandings of
the country have spread in the Japanese society.
Under these circumstances, a body called the Japan-DPRK Friendship
Society of KansaiiJDFSKjwas newly formed in September 2009 with an aim
to perform wide-ranging activities including Japan-DPRK friendship
movement and the study and dissemination of the Juche idea, along with
cultural activities. It was this body that sponsored the symposium.
With regard to Japan-DPRK relations and the Juche idea, in an effort to
provide an opportunity for specialists in various fields to pile up
their joint studies through dialogues, the JDFSK sponsored the said
symposium in support of the IIJI. The symposium was held with scholars
whose specialties are philosophy, international relations and
international politics as panelists in thought of the mission of
intellectuals to study the truth and disseminate it correctly.
The venue was filled with some 150 persons such as scholars,
politicians, social activists, workers and youth and students all over
Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa.
The symposium was presided over by Secretary General Tada Megume of the
Japanese National Liaison Council of Societies for the Study of Kim Jong
Ilfs Works and Prof. Han Tong Song, dean of the Department of Politics
and Economy, Korea University in Japan who is also on the IIJI Board.
Prof. Emeritus Ie Masaji at Himeji Dokkyo University, president of the
JDFSK made an address on behalf of sponsorship as follows:
gThe movement as to step up Japan-DPRK friendship campaigns in pursuit
of Japan-DPRK diplomatic normalization is very important. In order to
accelerate such movement it is necessary to have a good understanding of
the DPRK by studying its ideology and culture. To this end it is
indispensable to study the Juche idea as the guiding idea of the DPRK.h
Chairman Pu Young Uk of the Osaka Headquarters of the General
Association of Korean Residents in JapaniChongryonjmade an address as
guest in appreciation of the symposium.
In the symposium the following presentations were made: gNuclear Issue
and International Relationsh by Dr. Alexandre Vorontsov, department head
of the Institute of Oriental Studies, the Russian Academy of Sciences;
gUnderstanding the DPRK in view of the Juche Ideah by Prof. Han Tong
Song; gOn the New Phase of DPRK-US Relationsh by Prof. Nakato Sachio at
Ritsumeikan University; gThe Nuclear Issues in the Past, Presence and
Futureh by Prof. Aiba Kazuhiko at Tokushima University; and gToward
Establishing of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the DPRK by
Coming Term with the Pasth by Associate Prof. Kaseda Yoshinori at
Kita-Kyushu City University.
Referring to his preceding participation in the conference called
gCooperation and Dialogue in Northeast Asia h that had took place in
California, the U.S., Dr. A. Vorontsov in his stand as an Russian
presented his deliberations: the normalization of Japan-DPRK relations
is an impending task for peace and security in the region of Northeast
Asia.
Explaining the contents of the philosophical principles of the Juche
idea, Prof. Han Tong Song called upon the audience to have a correct
understanding of the DPRK where the Juche idea has been embodied.
In relation to the development of DPRKfs external policies since April
in 2009 in particular, Prof. Nakato Sachio said as follows:
gThe DPRKfs foreign policies have been consistent to the principle of
independence. Nevertheless, it is not so easy to understand what they
read as they are. In light of this, it would be a first step for us, the
Japanese, to listen to its say attentively and study them in a humble
manner. h
Prof. Aiba Kazuhiko explained historical changes in the theories of
nuclear deterrence and their contents, and stressed the importance of
building up peace in Northeast Asia.
Pertaining to the issue of coming term with the past in normalizing
Japan-DPRK relations, Associate Prof. Kaseda Yoshinori presented his
deliberations by highlighting the importance of building up a
relationship of trust between the two countries.
The symposium provided an opportunity for the participants to strengthen
their belief that realizing the normalization of Japan-DPRK relations
would contribute to global independence including the Northeast Asian
region. It also showed that to this end it is necessary for Japan to
have a better understanding of the DPRK as its counterpart in this
regard and that making a deeper understanding of the Juche idea as the
guiding idea of the DPRK is inevitably indispensable.
Those who took part in the symposium became more determined to study the
Juche idea harder onwards in the future and strive to promote the Japan-DPRK
friendship campaigns more positively in their respective local regions. |