Lee Jong-seok, deputy head of South Korea's National Security Council, arrives at Tokyo's Iikura Guest House for a meeting with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi (not pictured) in this August 24, 2005 file photograph. South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun named new ministers to the crucial commerce and unification portfolios on January 2, 2006 in a reshuffle that allows former cabinet members to prepare for possible presidential bids. Roh named Lee, a liberal expert on North Korea, as unification minister, replacing Chung Dong-young, one of two ministers who resigned last week to return to the ruling Uri Party, a presidential Blue House official said by telephone. The Unification Ministry handles ties with North Korea. Returning to the party is widely seen as a preparatory step for launching a bid for the 2007 presidential election. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE REUTERS/Eriko Sugita/Files 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi speaks to reporters at a news conference at a Kuala Lumpur hotel December 14, 2005, wrapping up his four-day visit to meet with Asian leaders. Koizumi, under fire from China and South Korea for his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, said on Wednesday he did not understand the criticism over his annual pilgrimages to it. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Asian leaders join hands after the signing of the declaration on the East Asia Summit during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. L-R: Australia's Prime Minister John Howard, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Myanmar's Prime Minister Lieutenant-General Soe Win and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) asks to use the pen from China's Premier Wen Jiabao (C) as Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi looks on during the signing of the declaration on the East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) and China's Premier Wen Jiabao clap after the signing of the declaration on the East Asia Summit during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. East Asia's first summit of leaders ended on Wednesday with agreement to hold annual talks on issues of regional and strategic importance -- and a rare handshake between the leaders of Japan and China. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (C) walks towards his seat during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun is on second right. East Asian nations set expectations low on Tuesday for their first summit, playing down talk of a huge new free-trade bloc as the two biggest members continued a feud over their wartime past. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Asian leaders pose for photographs during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. East Asian nations set expectations low on Tuesday for their first summit, playing down talk of a huge new free-trade bloc as the two biggest members continued a feud over their wartime past. From L-R: Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Laos' Prime Minister Bounnyang Vorachit, South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Australia's Prime Minister John Howard, India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark, Philippines' President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Myanmar's Prime Minister Lieutenant-General Soe Win, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai. 

A general view of the venue during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. East Asian nations set expectations low on Tuesday for their first summit, playing down talk of a huge new free-trade bloc as the two biggest members continued a feud over their wartime past. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi arrives for a news conference at a Kuala Lumpur hotel December 14, 2005, wrapping up his four-day visit to meet with Asian leaders. Koizumi, under fire from China and South Korea for his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, said on Wednesday he did not understand the criticism over his annual pilgrimages to it. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi adjusts his headphones as he listens to a reporter's question at a news conference in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. Under fire from China and South Korea for his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, Koizumi said there must be some misunderstanding and that he did not understand the criticism. "I go to the Yasukuni shrine to express my feelings that we should never stage war again reflecting on World War Two, and at the same time, to pay respects for those who lost their lives on the battlefield," he said. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) shakes hands with South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. East Asian nations set expectations low on Tuesday for their first summit, playing down talk of a huge new free-trade bloc as the two biggest members continued a feud over their wartime past. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd R) shakes hands with China's Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L) while Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi applauds after the signing of the declaration on the East Asia Summit during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark is at right. East Asia's first summit of leaders ended on Wednesday with agreement to hold annual talks on issues of regional and strategic importance -- and a rare handshake between the leaders of Japan and China. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Asian leaders pose for photographs during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. Australia urged its partners in the new East Asian community on Wednesday to pause on Russian entry into the grouping, moments before the Russian president was due to address the region's first summit. L-R: Laos' Prime Minister Bounnyang Vorachit, South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Australia's Prime Minister John Howard. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L) gestures as fellow Asian leaders (L-R) China's Premer Wen Jiabao, Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Australia's Prime Minister John Howard pose for a photo during the First East Asia Summit at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 14, 2005. East Asian nations set expectations low on Tuesday for their first summit, playing down talk of a huge new free-trade bloc as the two biggest members continued a feud over their wartime past. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd L) urges his Southeast Asian counterparts, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (L), Laos' Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith (2nd R) and Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai , to join in a four-way handshake at the start of quadrilateral talks in Kuala Lumpur December 13, 2005. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd L) leads his counterparts, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (L), Laos' Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith (2nd R) and Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai into a meeting room at the start of a quadrilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur December 13, 2005. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (2nd L) shakes hands with his counterparts, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (L), Laos' Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith (2nd R) and Vietnam's Prime Minister Phan Van Khai at the start of a quadrilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur December 13, 2005. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

(L-R) Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Laos Prime Minister Bounnyang Vorachit, South Korean Prime Minister Roh Moo-hyun, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Myanmar Prime Minister Lieutenant-General Soe Win, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra clap at the ASEAN-South Korea economic cooperation signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur December 13, 2005. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L-R) join hands after the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L-R) join hands after the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (L to R) join hands after the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (C) talks to Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R), as China's Premier Wen Jiabao looks on during the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, at the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

(From L to R) South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Myanmar's Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong join hands after the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (front row 2nd R) signs the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, as (front row L to R) South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, China's Premier Wen Jiabao and Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi look on, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (front row 2nd R) together with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun (front row L-R), China's Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi wait to sign the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L) is greeted by a smiling hostess in a Korean costume at the South Korea exhibit at an East Asia business show at Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. While Koizumi faces increasing isolation from China and South Korea over his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, Tokyo wants the inaugural East Asia summit this week to be the main forum for discussing a future "East Asia Community" that some dream might eventually become a huge free-trade zone like the European Union. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi looks through the viewfinder of a Japanese camera as he inspects an East Asia business show at Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Koizumi is is Malaysia to attend a meeting of ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea, and the inaugural East Asia summit, which some hope will become a new political and economic bloc and already represents about half the world's population and about a fifth of global trade. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L) meets with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. The leaders are in Malaysia to attend a meeting of ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea, and the inaugural East Asia summit this week. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (R) meets with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. The leaders are in Malaysia to attend a meeting of ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea, and the inaugural East Asia summit this week. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

(From L to R) South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun, China's Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Myanmar's Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win applaud after the signing of the declaration on the ASEAN + 3 Summit, during the 11th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Southeast Asia's regional grouping agreed on Monday to draft its first constitution, a document that could enshrine human rights and democracy in a region where both have come under critical scrutiny. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi examines jeans made in East Asia on an inspection tour to an East Asia business show at Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at the exhibit launch on Sunday that attention had to be given to establishing a business-friendly trade and business environment in a globalised world, local reports said. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi smiles as he receives flowers at the India exhibit during an inspection tour of an East Asia business show at Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. Koizumi is is Malaysia to attend a meeting of ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea, and the inaugural East Asia summit, which some hope will become a new political and economic bloc and already represents about half the world's population and about a fifth of global trade. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi inspects the China exhibit, where pictures of their astronauts are on display, at an East Asia business show at Kuala Lumpur City Centre in Kuala Lumpur December 12, 2005. While Koizumi faces increasing isolation from China and South Korea over his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, Tokyo wants the inaugural East Asia summit this week to be the main forum for discussing a future "East Asia Community" that some dream might eventually become a huge free-trade zone like the European Union. **JAPAN POOL** REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, surrounded by heavy security, reviews an honour guard as he arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport December 11, 2005 for the first East Asia summit later in the week. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi reviews an honour guard on arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport December 11, 2005. While Koizumi faces increasing isolation from China and South Korea over his visits to a Tokyo war shrine, Tokyo wants the newly formed East Asia summit, to be held later this week, to be the main forum for discussing a future "East Asia Community" that some dream might eventually become a huge free-trade zone like the European Union. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Haruki Kadokawa(C), producer of "Yamato: The Last Battle," smiles with director Junya Sato (R) and actor Kenichi Matsuyama at the start of a news conference in Tokyo December 8, 2005. A symbol of honour and bravery in the service of a lost cause, or the epitome of meaningless sacrifice. The tale of Yamato, the biggest battleship ever built, is being retold in the film to be released later this month. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari waves as he holds up a gift from the Japan National Press Club, presented in appreciation of his appearance December 6, 2005 in Tokyo. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari arrives to speak to reporters at the Japan National Press Club as a Japanese attendant adjusts his microphones in Tokyo December 6, 2005. Jaafari defended the trial of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, saying the court trying his case has been democratic and just. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari speaks to reporters at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo December 6, 2005. Iraq wants multinational forces to stay until it has built up a military that is capable of maintaining security in the country, Jaafari said. Jaafari urged Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during talks on Monday to keep in place Japanese non-combat troops in southern Iraq, saying that it was too early for a withdrawal. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari speaks to reporters at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo December 6, 2005. Iraq wants multinational forces to stay until it has built up a military that is capable of maintaining security in the country, Jaafari said. Jaafari urged Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during talks on Monday to keep in place Japanese non-combat troops in southern Iraq, saying that it was too early for a withdrawal. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari makes a point as he speaks to reporters at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo December 6, 2005, wrapping up a two-day visit. Iraq wants multinational forces to stay until it has built up a military that is capable of maintaining security in the country, Jaafari said. Jaafari urged Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi during talks on Monday to keep in place Japanese non-combat troops in southern Iraq, saying that it was too early for a withdrawal. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Christopher Mabee of Canada performs in the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. 

Japan's Nobunari Oda performs on his way to win gold at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Christopher Mabee of Canada performs in the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Evan Lysacek of the United States performs in the NHK Trophy international figure skating competition in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Christopher Mabee of Canada performs in the NHK Trophy figure skating competition in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Daisuke Takahashi performs on his way to win bronze at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. Compatriot Nobunari Oda won the gold, while Evan Lysacek of the U.S. took the silver. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Gold medal winner Japan's Nobunari Oda (L) smiles with compatriot Daisuke Takahashi, who took bronze, during the award ceremony for the men's singles competition at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Evan Lysacek of the U.S. performs on his way to win the silver medal at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. Japan's Nobunari Oda took the gold. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Gold medal winner Japan's Nobunari Oda (C) waves his flower bouquet with Evan Lysacek (L) of the U.S. and Japan's Daisuke Takahashi during the awards ceremony for the men's singles competition at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. Lysacek took the solver medal while Takahashi took the bronze. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Nobunari Oda flashes a smile upon winning gold at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Nobunari Oda performs on his way to win gold at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Nobunari Oda jumps on his way to win gold at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan, December 4, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Ukraine's Elena Liashenko performs her free skating routine at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Japan's Yukari Nakano won the event, and Liashenko took bronze. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Miki Ando performs her free skating routine at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Compatriot Yukari Nakano took gold, and Ando placed fourth. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Russia's Jana Khokhlova and Sergei Novitski perform their ice dancing free dance at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Canada's Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon took gold. The Russian couple placed fourth. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Kimmie Meissner of the U.S. performs her free skating routine at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Japan's Yukari Nakano won the event, and Meissner placed fifth. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Japan's Fumie Suguri shows her form during her free skating routine on her way to win silver at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Compatriot Yukari Nakano took gold. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Gold medal winners Marie-France Dubreuil (front C) and Patrice Lauzon of Canada smile with Bulgaria's Albena Denkova (L) and Maxim Staviski, silver, and Armenia's Anastasia Grebenkina and Vazgen Azrojan, bronze, during the awarding ceremony for the ice dancing competition at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita 

Bulgaria's Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski perform their ice dancing free dance on their way to win silver at at the 2005 International Figure Skating Competition NHK Trophy in Kadoma, western Japan December 3, 2005. Canada's Marie-France Dubreuil and Patrice Lauzon took gold. REUTERS/Eriko Sugita