Updated January 15, 2026 — 4:06pm
In a striking display of diplomatic camaraderie, Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung donned matching blue tracksuits for an impromptu drumming session in Nara, Japan. The session marked the conclusion of a summit between the two leaders, held in Takaichi’s hometown, where they performed a drum duet to BTS’s “Dynamite” and “Golden” from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack on drum kits manufactured by the Japanese company Pearl.
The session, which quickly gained traction on social media, saw Lee tentatively tapping cymbals, while Takaichi offered encouragement, saying, “You did it well! You were amazing.” The light-hearted moment stood in stark contrast to the prevailing global climate of aggressive power plays, including the US’s recent capture of Venezuela’s president and the crackdown on protests in Iran.
Symbolic Diplomacy in Action
The drum session was more than a mere musical interlude; it was a carefully orchestrated piece of diplomatic theater. “Although our tempos were a bit different, we both tried to match the rhythm together – we will create a future-oriented relationship with one heart,” Lee posted on social media platform X.
Organized by Takaichi, a former heavy metal band drummer during her university days, the session fulfilled a dream Lee expressed when they first met at the APEC summit in October. The leaders, both relatively new to their roles, are navigating a complex international landscape where the United States, under President Donald Trump, has become an unpredictable ally, leaving room for China to expand its influence.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
The relationship between Japan and South Korea is fraught with historical grievances, particularly the memory of Japan’s occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945 and the issue of “comfort women” enslaved by the Japanese army. Despite these challenges, the two nations share commonalities as East Asia’s democratic strongholds allied with the US, facing mutual concerns over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s growing influence.
Takaichi, a conservative leader aiming to strengthen Japan’s defense, and Lee, a left-leaning politician advocating engagement with China and North Korea, present an unlikely partnership. Yet, their collaboration reflects a shared intent to navigate regional tensions strategically.
Domestic and International Implications
For Takaichi, the summit and the drumming session offered a chance to soften her “Iron Lady” image, projecting a more approachable diplomatic persona. With an eye on domestic politics, she is expected to call a snap election in February, leveraging her popularity to consolidate power after her predecessors left her party in a weakened parliamentary position.
Meanwhile, China’s aggressive stance towards Japan, particularly after Takaichi suggested Tokyo might intervene in a Taiwan crisis, has strained Sino-Japanese relations. Beijing’s retaliatory measures, including restricting rare earth exports to Japan, have paradoxically bolstered Takaichi’s domestic support, as noted by Cornell University historian Kristin Roebuck:
“China’s response has had paradoxical short-term effects, exacerbating Japan’s economic problems while also boosting domestic support for Takaichi’s right-wing politics.”
Lee, on the other hand, is positioning South Korea as a neutral actor in the China-Japan rivalry, seeking to improve ties with Beijing after a period of tension under his predecessor. His recent visit to China included a symbolic selfie with President Xi Jinping, using a Xiaomi smartphone gifted by Xi, highlighting a moment of levity in diplomatic exchanges.
Looking Forward
The drumming session between Takaichi and Lee serves as a reminder of the power of soft diplomacy amid global uncertainties. As both leaders navigate their respective domestic and international challenges, their ability to harmonize differing political tempos could set a precedent for future diplomatic engagements in the region.
As the world watches, the outcomes of their efforts will undoubtedly influence the geopolitical landscape of East Asia and beyond, offering a glimpse into the potential for collaboration amidst historical and contemporary tensions.
