[Key Points] Japan’s rightward shift puts Korea-Japan ties to the test

Ties face stress: Japan’s rightward political shift under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is putting renewed pressure on Seoul and Tokyo’s effort to keep historical disputes separate from security and economic cooperation. Two-track strategy tested: South Korea’s Institute for National Security Strategy warns that political instability and conservative policies in Japan could weaken shuttle diplomacy and push bilateral relations toward deterioration. Yasukuni tensions flare: Takaichi avoided visit