Relationship Issues Essay -- International Relations, Japan, South Kor

Different arguments and disagreements between countries can be found throughout our history on this Earth. A relationship that is lesser known is the relationship between Japan and South Korea. Japan and South Korea are two countries that are trapped by their past. Although the two countries are slightly similar when it comes to manners,but they are also very different in cultures and beliefs. Different cultures and beliefs are not the only reason that is keeping them apart though. Japan and South Korea have a long history. A history of colonial rule and lack of trust in Japan, South Korea chooses not to ally itself with Japan. Although the two countries have been working on stabilizing their relationship, they still need to overcome some issues. Japan and South Korea's unstable relationship could be improved by sharing their cultures more or through a military alliance. Japan and South Korea's relationship is known as a "quasialliance" (Cooney 9). The two countries are both allies with the United States, but Japan and South Korea still remain unallied to each other. Japan and South Korea still maintain in an unstable relationship. Although the two countries do not physically fight, they do not associate with each other much. South Korea holds little trust in Japan and its people because of their past relationship. The relationship between the two countries started with Japan's colonial rule over South Korea that lasted for thirty-five years and ended in the year 1945. Korean citizens protest and claim that Japan and its citizens do not acknowledge how cruel the colonial rule was . Even Japanese school books do not go into detail about the colonial rule. South Korea and its citizens claim that the text does not justify ... ...a could become a threat to Japan's East Asia leadership (Cooney 7). Japan leads East Asia in business. South Korea has great potential, in Asia, to become a leading role. The idea of South Korea becoming the leading role frightens Japan. Japan and South Korea have also had disputes over ownership. Disputes could carry on even if the two become allies. Japan and South Korea can become allies. The process may take some time but eventually the two countries will be able to see eye to eye. They may become allies through the culture the two already share with one another, or maybe they could become allies economically through the business relationship they have. North Korea and the United States might even play a role in the two countries becoming allies. Whatever the reason, Japan and South Korea can become allies. The possibilities for both countries are amazing.