Japan and South Korea agree to keep coordinating on North Korea

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met South Korean Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul in the Philippines on October 28.

The ministers discussed North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which are driving security concerns in the region.

They agreed that Japan, South Korea and the United States should continue to work closely together.

It was their first meeting since Kang took office in September after a cabinet reshuffle.

Defense officials from Japan and South Korea have kept in contact during 2026, including through reciprocal visits.

The ministers said they would strengthen cooperation, with coordination on North Korea set to continue.