Japan's Kishida strengthens ties with South Korea amid regional tensions.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed sympathy for the suffering of Korean forced laborers during Japan's colonial rule, as he and his South Korean counterpart renewed resolve to overcome historical grievances and strengthen cooperation in the face of shared challenges such as North Korea's nuclear program. Kishida's statement, which avoided a new, direct apology over the colonization but still sympathized with the Korean victims, suggests he felt pressure to say something to maintain momentum for an effort to improve ties.