The decision comes shortly after the return from North Korea of former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who led a team of lawmakers from several Japanese political parties. The delegation held successful talks aimed at improving ties between the two countries. Relations soured in August 1998, after North Korea test fired a missile over Japanese territory. Japan halted food shipments, suspended charter flights and broke off talks on establishing diplomatic relations. And that's what everyone would like to see happen.
Engagement also brings other benefits.
Most notably, analysts say, Japan's decision could provide the impetus to improve the relationship between North and South Korea. Resumption of Japan's economic and humanitarian aid would also help reduce suffering North Korea and boost Pyongyang's economy. But serious obstacles to forging diplomatic relations remain. In particular, lawmakers here say the issue of the missing Japanese citizens must be resolved before relations can be normalized. Efforts to develop diplomatic ties fell apart in 1992, after Japan alleged that North Korean agents kidnapped Japanese citizens to help train spies.