Amid tensions, S. Korea and Japan hold cultural festival

한국인 급감에…한일축제서 "교류 흔들림 없이" 입 모은 日정부<br /><br />Despite worsening ties between South Korea and Japan, a festival is being held this weekend in Tokyo for an 11th straight year aimed at encouraging cultural exchanges.<br />High-ranking Japanese government officials who participated emphasized the event's significance, saying that even when there are problems between the two governments, cultural exchanges will keep their friendly relations strong.<br />Japan's minister of tourism, Kazuyoshi Akaba ( ), added that as a person who has worked on their bilateral relations for a long time, it breaks his heart to see that the trade dispute has caused a drop in the number of Koreans visiting Japan,... by 48 percent compared to last year.<br />South Korea's vice-minister of culture, Noh Tae-gang, said he hopes their cultural exchanges continue with efforts from both countries. <br />