I'm not sure whether to be cautiously optimistic or pessimistic about Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to North Korea next Tuesday, but either way, "caution" is the watchword.

I am strongly in favor of increased dialogue with North Korea, by South Korea and the United States as well as by Japan. The fact that Pyongyang suddenly seems serious about engaging in high-level discussions with all three simultaneously presents an opportunity that should not be missed or squandered, even if it must be approached carefully.

Some may question Pyongyang's motives and such questioning appears appropriate, given North Korea's previous track record of on-again, off-again negotiations and broken promises. But more important than guessing what Pyongyang expects to get from its current round of "smile diplomacy" is a clear understanding and articulation by Tokyo of what it hopes to achieve, both individually and cooperatively with Seoul and Washington, as a result of this bold diplomatic initiative.