Japanese and South Korean leaders play drums to K-pop at Nara summit.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed to deepen cooperation during a summit in Nara, then briefly played drums together to K-pop songs in a surprise jam session.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met for talks in Nara, Japan, Takaichi's hometown. They discussed strengthening cooperation between their governments. After the formal meeting, they took part in a surprise musical exchange and played drums together. A short video of the jam session was released by Takaichi's office. Key details: - The summit took place in Nara and included discussions on deepening Japan–South Korea cooperation. - Takaichi and Lee performed a brief drumming session together wearing personalized athletic jackets. - They played to K-pop songs cited in the video, including BTS' "Dynamite" and K-pop Demon Hunters' "Golden." - The jam was described as a surprise arranged by Takaichi, who has played drums previously and is known as a heavy metal fan. - Lee thanked Takaichi on X and said playing the drums had been a longtime dream; Takaichi complimented his quick learning and reiterated plans for continued close communication, including 'shuttle diplomacy.' Summary: The musical exchange provided a personal note after formal talks and was shared publicly by the Japanese prime minister's office. Both leaders said they intend to continue close communication and to pursue proactive shuttle diplomacy as they deepen bilateral cooperation.