Japanese-Finnish Bilateral Relations
2024/8/29
Finland became independent in December 1917 and Japan acknowledged Finland in May 1919. Furthermore, the diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland were established and a famous linguist G. J. Ramstedt was assigned by Finland as the first envoy to Tokyo. Japan’s minister to Sweden Ryotaro Hata served concurrently as a representative of Japan to Finland starting 1921. Since then, excluding the small break after the Second World War, our friendly relations have been improving consistently.
In recent years the relations between our countries have extended from economy and trade into culture, technology, environment as well as defense cooperation, and the interaction is growing steadily. As the first Nordic country, Finland signed a cultural agreement with Japan in 1978, which increased cultural interaction. Thanks to the Aviation Agreement established in 1981, Finnair started direct flights between Tokyo and Helsinki in 1983. This made Finland the closest European country to Japan. Interaction on all levels has been increased through numerous visits between our countries by the Imperial Family and leaders of the countries as well as student and youth exchange.
In May 2000 Emperor Akihito (now Emperor Emeritus) and Empress Michiko (now Empress Emerita) visited the Nordic countries including Finland. In March 2016 President Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio visited Japan where they met the Imperial Couple and Prime Minister Abe. Joint Statement on a Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Finland as Gateways in Asia and Europe was announced during the summit meeting of President Niinistö and Prime Minister Abe. The relationship of our countries surpasses the frame of two countries and keeps on developing into strategic partnership binding Europe and Asia together. Prime Minister Abe visited Finland with her spouse in July 2017.
The 100th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationships was celebrated in 2019, and the Crown Prince Couple Akishinonomiya visited Finland on their first overseas visit as a Crown Prince Couple. In October during the same year President Niinistö visited Japan and took part in the Enthronement Ceremony of the New Emperor. In addition, many events were organized to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of our relationships.
In May 2022, Prime Minister Marin visited Japan and had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Kishida. A signing ceremony for the Japan-Finland Working Holiday Agreement was also held on this occasion.
In recent years the relations between our countries have extended from economy and trade into culture, technology, environment as well as defense cooperation, and the interaction is growing steadily. As the first Nordic country, Finland signed a cultural agreement with Japan in 1978, which increased cultural interaction. Thanks to the Aviation Agreement established in 1981, Finnair started direct flights between Tokyo and Helsinki in 1983. This made Finland the closest European country to Japan. Interaction on all levels has been increased through numerous visits between our countries by the Imperial Family and leaders of the countries as well as student and youth exchange.
In May 2000 Emperor Akihito (now Emperor Emeritus) and Empress Michiko (now Empress Emerita) visited the Nordic countries including Finland. In March 2016 President Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio visited Japan where they met the Imperial Couple and Prime Minister Abe. Joint Statement on a Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Finland as Gateways in Asia and Europe was announced during the summit meeting of President Niinistö and Prime Minister Abe. The relationship of our countries surpasses the frame of two countries and keeps on developing into strategic partnership binding Europe and Asia together. Prime Minister Abe visited Finland with her spouse in July 2017.
The 100th Anniversary of the diplomatic relationships was celebrated in 2019, and the Crown Prince Couple Akishinonomiya visited Finland on their first overseas visit as a Crown Prince Couple. In October during the same year President Niinistö visited Japan and took part in the Enthronement Ceremony of the New Emperor. In addition, many events were organized to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of our relationships.
In May 2022, Prime Minister Marin visited Japan and had a summit meeting with Prime Minister Kishida. A signing ceremony for the Japan-Finland Working Holiday Agreement was also held on this occasion.