Generations of exchange have built trust between Japan and Germany, giving the two countries one of diplomacy’s most valuable assets. For Her Excellency Mitsuko Shino, the first woman to serve as Japan’s ambassador to Germany, the 165th anniversary of diplomatic relations is an occasion to honor the people who built that foundation and recognize the responsibility to carry it forward. Her vision places these human connections at the heart of a partnership increasingly vital to international peace, stability and innovation.
Bridges: This year marks 165 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Japan. Looking back, what do you consider the most significant milestones that have shaped this enduring partnership?
Ambassador Shino: The relationship of solid trust that exists between Japan and Germany today was not built through a single event or over a short period of time. It is the result of 165 years—or even longer—of people-to-people connections between our two countries, through which individuals in a broad and diverse range of fields, from music and literature to medicine and industry, have learned from one another, respected each other’s values, and worked to deepen mutual understanding of each other’s countries. It is precisely this accumulation of exchanges over time that has given rise to the relationship of trust we have today.
We are sometimes inclined to take this relationship of trust for granted, as though it were a given. However, those of us, myself included, who are currently engaged in Japan-Germany relations must recognize the immense value of this legacy. We must not forget that we have a responsibility to carry it forward and further develop it, while ensuring that the trust built over generations is not undermined by any one of the initiatives we undertake.
How would you assess the current strength and growing significance of Germany–Japan relations, particularly amid evolving economic and geopolitical conditions?
As the international environment becomes increasingly complex and uncertain, the importance of having reliable and trusted partners grows ever greater. Japan and Germany share fundamental values—including human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and hopefully, free trade—and a common responsibility to contribute to international peace and stability. At the same time, however, we are 9,000 kilometers apart and belong to different cultural spheres, East Asia and Europe.
“As an embassy, we intend to continue our efforts to further deepen our relationships with Germans who are already familiar with Japan, as well as to introduce the value of Japan and the friendly relations between Japan and Germany to Germans who have not yet had the opportunity to encounter Japan.”
Mitsuko Shino, Japanese Ambassador to Germany
Bound by trust and united by shared values—while at the same time bringing diverse perspectives to the challenges we face—the collaboration between Japan and Germany sparks new discoveries and innovations. Furthermore, it is precisely because of this distance that the likelihood of both countries being simultaneously involved in the same crisis will become unlikely, fostering mutual resilience. Amid an uncertain international landscape, cooperation between Japan and Germany not only benefits both nations but also leads to the discovery of new solutions to the emerging challenges facing the international community.
Which areas offer the strongest opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, technology, energy, security and other shared priorities?
Japan-Germany relations are not restricted to specific areas; opportunities for cooperation are expanding across all fields. However, security stands out as an area where there is a particularly strong need for cooperation given the current international situation. As is evident from North Korea’s support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, security in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely intertwined. Moreover, this extends beyond defense security to include economic security, energy security, and academic integrity, among others. Never before has cooperation between Japan and Germany—two like-minded nations—been more essential than it is today.
Looking ahead, what is the Embassy’s vision for the continued development of the Germany–Japan partnership?
While there are opportunities for cooperation in various fields, I personally believe that, ultimately, it all comes down to trust between individuals. Therefore, while it goes without saying that diplomats themselves should strive to foster trust with other countries, I would like to contribute to building relationships based on deeper trust at every level—including among young people, artists, business people, government officials and politicians. As an embassy, we intend to continue our efforts to further deepen our relationships with Germans who are already familiar with Japan, as well as to introduce the value of Japan and the friendly relations between Japan and Germany to Germans who have not yet had the opportunity to encounter Japan.
