Q-5: Should U.S., Japan and S.Korea decide in advance how to share burdens out of coping with N.Korea?
Ans.: No. It is neither feasible nor desirable.
Q-6: Should Japan emphasize solving abduction issue all the way in negotiations with N.Korea?
Ans.: Maybe not, but would better stick to the principle.
Q-7: Can and should Japan participate in the peace settlement debate on the Korean peninsula?
Ans.: It depends on how smartly Japan can play and on whether Japan really wants to.
Q-8: If Japan attempts to engage with N.Korea, what area might become priority?
Ans.: Infra-structure will be surely on the top list.
Q-9: Debate on the U.S. forces in Korea has any strategic implication to Japan?
Ans.: Japan should seriously engage in studying the future of the U.S. forces in the region and the U.S.'s Asia policy in general.
Q-10: How the future relations between Washington and Beijing will define strategic picture of the Korean peninsula and affect Japan's options ?
Ans.: U.S.-China relations will be a most significant factor to determine the strategic atmosphere in the region.
3. Some caveats
・Be sensitive to the Korean public sentiment.
・Don't make slip tongues to embarrass the Koreans. (i.e. textbook issue).
・Be cautious in any move to draw suspicion on Japan's militarism.
・Can Japanese leaders accommodate domestic political challenges?
・Korean contingency is still valid and demands preparation, etc.
