Reflections on the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations
A celebratory event marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan was held at a hotel in Seoul on June 16, hosted by Koichi Mizushima, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, and Mrs. Asako Mizushima. This occasion provided a meaningful and valuable opportunity to reflect on the enduring ties between the two nations — ties I have had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to over several decades.
My longstanding relationship with the Japanese Embassy in Seoul has allowed me the honor of interacting with many former ambassadors to Korea, as well as defense attaches who shared a deep interest in Korean culture and history.
One particularly memorable moment was when former Ambassador Kiyohisa Mikanagi graciously attended the ceramic arts exhibition of my brother, Choe Chong-kan, on Sept. 22, 1986, at Baiksang Memorial Hall. The exhibition, sponsored by the Hankook Ilbo — the sister paper of The Korea Times — highlighted the artistic heritage of Korea’s ceramic traditions.
Inspired by this cultural exchange, I later contributed an article to The Korea Times on Aug. 21, 2002, titled "Maksabal Bowls and Unknown Potters." The maksabal is a humble, coarse type of Korean stoneware bowl from the Joseon Dynasty, originally used by commoners and produced in ancient kilns in Gyeongsang Province.
Celebrated for its unpretentious, natural beauty, the maksabal gained unexpected prestige in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries, where it was renamed “ido chawan” and revered by the Japanese elite for tea ceremonies — eventually becoming designated as a national treasure.
Though once overlooked in Korea due to aristocratic preference for celadon and white porcelain, these bowls reflect a uniquely Korean aesthetic of simplicity and harmony with nature. During the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598, many Korean potters were taken to Japan, where their techniques flourished even as the tradition declined in Korea. Yet the spirit of these humble, anonymous artisans continues to inspire modern potters and serves as a quiet but enduring cultural bridge — one that helps heal historical wounds between Korea and Japan.
Encouraged by my article in the paper, Terusuke Terada, then the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, kindly sent me a meaningful letter on Aug. 26, 2002, emphasizing the potential of cultural ties to strengthen Korea-Japan relations by setting aside historical tensions.
Recognizing my close association with the Japanese Embassy and my sincere engagement with Japan-related affairs, former Ambassador Bessho Hiroshi Shiro graciously invited me to the commemorative event marking the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. The event took place at the Westin Josun Hotel, Seoul, on June 22, 2015, with then-President Park Geun-hye in attendance. It drew significant media attention from both countries, underscoring the importance of ongoing dialogue and reconciliation.
Continuing this spirit of friendship, on Oct. 23, 2017, a unique diplomatic reception was held on board the JS Kashima, a training ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The event took place at the 2nd Fleet Command of the Korean Navy in Pyeongtaek to commemorate the ship’s first visit to Korea.
It provided an opportunity for Koreans and Japanese to experience Japanese naval traditions and engage in friendly exchanges.
As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, it is my belief that cultural understanding remains a powerful tool for strengthening bilateral relations. In this spirit, the anticipated participation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the 2025 APEC Summit — scheduled to be held in Gyeongju from late October to early November — presents a timely and symbolic opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the amicable ties between Korea and Japan.
The humble maksabal, and the unknown potters behind it, remind us that even the simplest cultural artifacts possess the power to foster profound connections — transcending borders, bridging time and deepening mutual understanding.
May the bonds between our two nations continue to flourish, nurtured by a shared heritage and a spirit of enduring cultural appreciation.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.