Culture as bridge to stronger ties between Japan, Korea
Published: 18 Jan. 2010, 20:48
Miyuki Hatoyama, Japan’s first lady, talks about her love of Korean food and culture. By Kwon Cheol
So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Hatoyama family - including the prime minister and even his mother - is expected to make progress toward improving the historically sour relations between Japan and Korea.
The first lady certainly seems to think that can happen, saying in a recent interview with the JoongAng Ilbo that she hopes there will be more opportunities for the two countries to cooperate in the area of culture to foster a better relationship.
Following are excerpts from that interview - her first with foreign media since the election of her husband. The original interview was conducted in Japanese and has been translated into English.
Q. It’s often mentioned that you’re a big supporter of Korean culture. What about it appeals to you?
A. What I find appealing is the people’s respect for the elderly - what they call filial piety in Confucianism. It is impressive that the Korean people think so much of their parents. I also think the Korean food culture is outstanding. Korean culture is “healthy” in many respects, I think.
You’re such a food expert that you have published cookbooks. What is your impression of Korean food in general? And what do you think is necessary for Korean food to appeal to more foreigners?
It seems that many foreigners have this notion that Korean food is spicy and has lots of garlic in it.
However, from what I know, Korean cuisine uses a lot of vegetables. So I think it is necessary to promote Korean food in that way - that Korean food incorporates an ample amount of vegetables and is healthy.
What is your favorite Korean food?
I like all Korean food, kimchi in particular. Actually, kimchi is served on the table at every meal at our home. I like japchae (clear noodles mixed with thinly sliced vegetables and meat) and gimbap (dried seaweed rolls) in addition to kimchi. I particularly find Korean gim (dried seaweed) tasty.
Do you have a favorite Korean actor?
I have so many in my head that it is hard to point to just one. I recently saw Lee Byung-hun in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” during a flight on my way to a foreign country, and he confirmed my opinion that there are so many good Korean actors.
Prime Minister Hatoyama has stressed that Asian countries should stand together and work to develop friendly ties between one another, points that many Koreans agree with. Japan and Korea have historically had to work out many thorny issues between them. What is necessary for the two countries to have a better relationship for the next century?
Prime Minister Hatoyama always says that we should face up to the past so that Korea and Japan can build a better future. From my perspective, I hope that there will be more opportunities for the two countries to cooperate in various “soft” areas such as culture so that we can move our relationship to the next level.
The image of Japan’s first ladies is that they are somewhat reserved, and they seem to refrain from standing out or drawing much attention. But you seem different. What kind of first lady would you like to be known as?
I have no particular image of a first lady that I want to be. What I know for sure is that something intentional or artificial will not last long and people won’t like it. I think just being the way I am is good and natural.
By Kim Hyun-ki [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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