During his stay in Japan, Wen made one point very clear: the past, he believes, is less important than the present and the future.

When I came to Japan 15 years ago, it was also April and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom," Wen began his speech.

He mentioned the seventh century, when Japan sent envoys to meet with China's Tang Dynasty rulers, and Chinese leaders such as Sun Wen, Zhou Enlai, and Lu Xun who studied in Japan. "The exchange of visits between our two countries has been unprecedented in the history of world civilization in terms of duration, scope, and influence," he said. "The Japanese government has officially acknowledged its invasion (of China) several times, and expressed its deep regrets and apologies to the victimized country. The Chinese government and people respect this highly." He also said, "The Chinese people will never forget Japan's support of China during our opening, reform, and modernization."

Japanese parliamentarians responded with thunderous applause at least 10 times. Yet on historical matters, Wen was resolute, and urged the Japanese to maintain their diplomatic promises. He didn't mention the comfort women issue or the visits by Japanese leaders to the Yasukuni Shrine. In a meeting with business leaders, he cited the film "Always - Sunset on Third Street," which portrays Japanese people struggling in poverty in the 1950s, as he expressed his deep interest in Japan's period of economic resurgence.

Past Chinese leaders have visited Japan in different ways. Thirty years ago, Deng Xioaping rode the Shinkansen bullet train and praised Japan's scientific and technological advances, giving rise to a "Deng mania." In contrast, Jiang Zemin scolded the country for its historical wrongs and decisively worsened relations. Wen followed Deng's example. Wherever he went, he emphasized the idea of friendship. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone was pleased. "This is the first time a Chinese leader has made such an estimate of Japan," he said. Even hard-line local newspapers like the Yomiuri Shimbun and Sankei Shimbun softened up to what they saw as a change in China's attitude. But they still had reservations, and promised to keep a close eye on China's actions. For some time China has maintained a hard line on Japan's Yasukuni issue. But the official attitude seems to have changed, apparently due to China's economic ambitions and its desire to successfully host the Beijing Olympics. This style of diplomacy is typical of China -- exhaust your foe in a long tug-of-war, then put your hand out to make up.

But even those who are deeply familiar with China's diplomatic tactics were impressed by Wen. And Wen showed that he knows how to play summit diplomacy. When Japanese officials mentioned the brevity of his stay, Wen's aides said, "He visited South Korea for just two days, but he's visiting Japan for three. Japan is more important to us."

The Japanese are of the consensus that President Roh Moo-hyun won't visit Japan this year. When it comes to Japan, Roh has so far said all the wrong things, and some even rate his dealings with Japan as the worst of any South Korean president. Currently it doesn't seem like he can salvage the situation. In fact, it's looking like Roh's five years in office will be recorded as a "lost era" in South Korea-Japan relations. We may have lost much more than this, when all our losses, both tangible and intangible, are accounted.

This column was contributed by Chung Kweon-hyun, the Chosun Ilbo’s correspondent in Tokyo.