Korea has added BGR Government Affairs to its lobbying network just ahead the April 29 speech of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to a joint-session of Congress. Japan counters with The Daschle Group.
Tensions remain high between Korea and Japan over the so-called "comfort women" issue, the WWII enslavement of Korean women forced into prostitution to service Japanese soldiers.
Korea wants a public apology and compensation for its victims.
Japan claims the issue was solved with an agreement during the 1960s and millions in loans/foreign aid. Its government and textbooks downplay the country's aggression during the war.
Under the $156K six-month contract, BGR will work to make sure Korea's view on comfort women is heard to counter's any effort by Abe to "whitewash" its history. T
The comfort women conflict has hampered Japan/South Korea coordination to challenge China's rising clout in the region.
Finn Partners, Singer Bonjean Strategies and TwinLogic Strategies have done work for Korea.
Japan has just signed former Majority Leader Tom Daschle as its representative on political and policy issues related to its US interests.
The Daschle Group will handle communications for Japan's embassy with US government officials other entities involved in policy matters.
The ex-Democratic leader and son, Nathan, work the business.
The Japan/Daschle Group effort is an "understanding" between the two parties, not a formal agreement.
BGR Government Affairs is part of BGR Group, the outfit founded by one-time Daschle rival, Haley Barbour, who was chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Impact Management Group, which is headed by Republican operative Terry Benham, works to build US support for Ukraine.
Rational 360 has ironed out its six-month $1.2M contract with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to position it as a “sophisticated global investment fund.”
APCO has signed on to promote this month’s visit of Ahmed Al Khateeb, head of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, to the US.
The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has signed on Montieth & Co. for strategic communications and media relations duties as chaos grips neighboring Haiti.
Edelman is negotiating a formal contract with the Bahamas for strategic communications on issues impacting its reputation abroad.
Have a comment? Send it to 
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.