Although the words and the sound take after the previous apologies offered by Japanese leaders, Obuchi's statement specifically mentions the Republic of Korea this time. They had never directly mentioned Korea before as they announced the apology statement. This declaration contains guidelines for future bilateral cooperation in political, economic, security and cultural fields. Mutual efforts to implement these issues should facilitate the advancement of amenable relations between Japan and Korea into the 21st century. Officials of both governments are trumpeting the importance of the declaration.
Japan appears to have expressed some sincerity in offering the apology.
President Kim and Koreans seem to find it acceptable. Both governments, however, have to be careful against harboring impatient expectations. Historic issues have not been completely deleted after all. Both leaders also overlooked discussion ways to ensure that Japanese history textbooks for teen students include accurate accounts of the atrocities Japan inflicted on its Asian neighbors. Japan didn't fully repent its past crimes this time.