SEOUL: The landslide election win by Japan's opposition Democratic Party over the ruling conservatives raises hopes in Asia that the often tense relationships with Tokyo's leaders will give way to improved regional ties.

Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Myung-bak yesterday sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister-elect Yukio Hatoyama, expressing hope of strengthening relations between the Asian neighbors.

Lee told Hatoyama by telephone that he believed the ROK and Japan "can open a new era," while Hatoyama replied the two countries should cooperate "more closely," Lee's office said in a statement.