That is hardly toned-down. North Korea hates bringing in Japan, even more so than bringing in China. Bush negotiated with North Korea via six other nations, when North Korea only wanted to negotiate face to face with the USA. It was a smart move, because Japan and others have many more grievances with this arrogant nation than just nuclear issues. And being in closer proximity, more vehement about the nuclear issues and testing over their countries, etc. They are much more a thorn in NKorea’s side than the USA.