On December 4, at the reception room on the 4th floor of the Korean Buddhist History and Culture Memorial Hall in Seoul, Venerable Jinwoo, President of the Jogye Order, welcomed and exchanged pleasantries with Japanese Ambassador to Korea, Mizushima Koichi.

During their meeting, Venerable Jinwoo remarked, “The Buddhist communities of Korea and Japan are engaging in various exchange activities, such as the Korea-Japan Buddhist Culture Exchange Conference and the Korea-China-Japan Buddhist Friendship Conference. The Buddhist community plays a role in resolving the complex issues between our two countries.”

He further explained, “We are currently in discussions with Japanese Buddhist organizations about repatriating the remains of individuals who perished while laboring in Japan during the Japanese colonial period. The local Buddhist community in Japan is also making efforts. If assistance from the Japanese government is needed, we will request it through the embassy.”

Ambassador Mizushima Koichi responded, “I understand the importance of cooperation between our two nations. Although there are challenges, I will show interest and provide support where possible to ensure the projects proceed smoothly.”