Abstract
In spite of the cultural closeness between Japan and South Korea, the relations between the two countries have been no exception to the general rule that the immediate neighbours often find it hard to live in harmony. Their relationship actually suffered from a long-standing enemity, the origins of which can be traced back to the early phases of Japan's and South Korea's histories. Progressively, the Japanese came to develop a mixture of condescension and contempt for the Korean people, which led to the classification of Korea as an inferior state, and that which had to be conquered. The end of the Second World War marked the end of the 35 year colonial occupation of Korea by Japan. In the aftermath of World War II, both Japan and South Korea had to face constraints that limited their role in defence and military activities. Legacies of the colonial occupation and long-lasting territorial disputes have remained as major obstacles to the development of a strong relation.
