전후세대 첫 일왕... '한일관계' 변화 생기나?
Over in Japan.
Emperor Naruhito succeeded his father today,... marking the start of a new era in the country's history.
He vowed to follow the pacifist course just like his father.
Some speculate this could help improve Seoul-Tokyo ties.
Choi Si-young provides a closer look.
During his first remarks,... Emperor Naruhito said he will "reflect deeply on the course followed by His Majesty," referring to his father and predecessor.
Naruhito's father Akihito is considered a pacifist and during his reign,... made amends throughout Asia for Japan's wartime atrocities.
Some observers think that should Emperor Naruhito follow in his father's footsteps,... South Korea-Japan relations could improve.
The new emperor's global outlook is another factor that makes observers think the all time low in relations between Seoul and Tokyo could be headed for recovery.
Naruhito was educated at Oxford University, while his wife Masako graduated from Harvard and served Japan as a diplomat.
Some experts say,... South Korea should pay attention to the current "festive mood" in Japan,... which will last until November when the celebration for the new emperor officially ends.
"Many heads of state are taking part in the celebration ceremony in October. South Korea could use this festive mood as an opportunity for possible summits between the two countries,... to thaw icy relations. In this respect, the enthronement is a chance to mend ties."
While Japan's emperors by law cannot intervene in state affairs, watchers speculate Emperor Naruhito's succession could usher in more frequent dialogue and other diplomatic avenues to better South Korea-Japan relations.
Choi Si-young, Arirang News.
