Japan’s Own NKHRA

Japan is still mulling over sanctions against North Korea, but its own debate appears to be moving in a more productive direction: human rights legislation. As I previously explained here, this would represent a major shift in Japanese politics and in international momentum against North Korea.

South Korea, for its part, is allowing North Korea’s latest round of atrocious behavior to damage its relations with Japan.

Meanwhile, the Korea Herald is clucking its tongue over saving the six-party talks and (get this) the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang.

If South Korea showed a modicum of the same concern over its own kidnapped citizens, North Korea might actually feel the need to make progress on those fronts.