Japan's decision to curb exports to South Korea of materials used by semiconductor and display makers is also raising concern even in Japan about damage to the global technology supply chain as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's carefully nurtured image as a standard-bearer of free trade.
Chinese and U.S. media have been critical of Tokyo's latest trade restriction move.
Let's get a pulse of the sentiment in Japan as well as an analysis of the current situation.
Joining me live on the line is Jeff Kingston, Director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan in Tokyo.
Dr. Kingston, welcome to the program.
First off, how is Prime Minister Abe's imposition of export restrictions being perceived in Japan?
The announcement of such export curb was made right on the heels of the conclusion of the G20 which was chaired this year by the Japanese prime minister, himself. G20, of course, is where free trade is promoted and protectionism is argued against.
What sort of a benefit is Japan or Prime Minister Abe looking to gain from this conflict?
South Korean businesses together with the government are seeking for alternatives to the materials on Japan's export restriction list or find some kind of a solution to this problem - Samsung Electronics' Jay Y. Lee or Lee Jay-yong has flown to Japan to try to manage things there - how do you see this row impacting not only the South Korean economy, but also the Japanese economy?
This trade restriction is taking another toll on the already sour relations between Seoul and Tokyo.
What's the sentiment in Japan like - I can tell you the public sentiment here is not the best and that's an euphemism - and what can be done to repair bilateral relations?
