Can Journalists be Peacemakers?
In contrast to the previous session, a more optimistic view with productive suggestions was given by the speaker and the two panelists in this session. Mr. Yoshibumi Wakamiya (Asahi Shimbun) gave his thoughts on journalism and nationalism in connection with his personal and professional involvement in Korean affairs, and emphasized the importance of long-term human contacts across national borders in all modesty for oneself with high respects for others, in order for one’s opinions to be heard by others in the international community, and maintained that Japan’s relations with neighboring countries are not as bad as they appear to be. Mr. Yasushi Kudo (Representative, Genron NPO) echoed Mr. Wakamiya’s sentiment by referring to his enduring efforts on the annual Tokyo-Beijing Forum series, where not propaganda but “hon-ne” opinions can be expressed on the both sides for common understandings and mutual benefits. Similarly, Prof. Park Cheol-Hee (Seoul National University) explained about
