Japan businesses await new South Korean government movesーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
japanese businesses have watched for years as the highs and lows of the diplomatic relationship between Japan and South Korea affected their bottom line They now keenly await the influence of a new administration after the presidential election earlier this month More than 5,000 people enjoyed Japanese sake at this event held in Seoul last month About 160 sake breweries took part I think it tastes sweet It’s enjoyable for anyone Each region has its unique characteristics That’s the charm of sake Sake imports from Japan have hugely rebounded after the corona virus pandemic Local customs authorities say they hit a record high of nearly $23 million last year Each milestone has brought its ups and downs but we are feeling good about our performance Relations between Seoul and Tokyo soured 6 years ago when Japan tightened export controls on materials used for the production of semiconductors and smartphones This triggered a boycott of Japanese goods in South Korea Miaakoshi went through this with a South Korean partner He operates a company that imports and sells Japanese beer Imports plunged by 90% compared to their peak with company profits also taking a dive In the second half of 2019 we had more product returns than sales and ended up in the red The situation has changed completely Mama’s company has steadily continued its sales efforts This Korean restaurant started offering the company’s beer three years ago Mama says it’s especially popular among people in their 20s and 30s I often drink Japanese beer because it’s cool and refreshing I like Japanese beer as well as traveling there The business environment improved after the launch of the previous Yunyo government Soul in Tokyo worked to improve ties leading to an increased demand for Japanese food Now after the election of a new president they keep an eye on politics In his campaign Ejimun pledged to position Japan as an important partner calling for future oriented cooperative ties But in the past he has also termed Japan an enemy country Mama says he hopes that the two countries will continue to maintain good relations no matter who’s in charge of the government Every year many South Koreans visit Japan and experience its culture I think they return with a positive image I hope we can continue such things as exchanges at the private level and mutually respect our cultures including their food
Japan-South Korea diplomatic relations have had a big impact on Japanese businesses,
which are now keenly awaiting moves by the new South Korean government. #southkorea #japan #politics #sake
More stories on South Korea: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/39/
Please subscribe HERE: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPEjw8F2nQDtmUKPFNF7_A?sub_confirmation=1