"Takaichi - Lee Jae-myung," leaders of Japan and South Korea, performed a joint drum session after their summit in Nara, symbolizing friendship and a future of cooperation under a new chapter in bilateral relations between the two countries.,
On 13 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung created a friendly atmosphere by drumming together to the song “Golden” from the Netflix series KPop Demon Hunters and BTS's “Dynamite.” This relaxed moment followed their bilateral summit in Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Officials noted that both leaders wore blue outfits prepared by Japan, embroidered with their names in English and their national flags, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect. Prime Minister Takaichi, a heavy metal fan who played drums in university, guided the South Korean leader during the drumming session.
The South Korean presidential office revealed that the joint drumming took place during the bilateral meeting in Nara, the hometown and electoral district of Japan’s prime minister. This marked the first time in 15 years that a South Korean president traveled outside Tokyo for a bilateral summit.
The two leaders stated their commitment to strengthen security and economic cooperation amid rising tensions in East Asia. They emphasized the necessity of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and China, as well as security collaboration between South Korea, the United States, and Japan to maintain regional peace and stability. They also reaffirmed their joint stance on promoting nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula. Prime Minister Takaichi plans to visit South Korea next.
Source: NHK / Yonhap