As Japan and Germany face growing global challenges, their partnership continues to deepen across key sectors. Japan’s Ambassador to Germany, Hidenao Yanagi, highlights how both nations are working together on economic security, technology, and infrastructure. With new milestones like the first intergovernmental consultation on economic security and 30 years of the Tokyo-Berlin city partnership, Japan and Germany are poised to further strengthen their collaboration for a resilient and prosperous future.
Could you provide an overview of the current state of diplomatic relations between Japan and Germany, highlighting recent developments and key areas of cooperation?
In a time when the international community is facing various challenges, Japan and Germany, sharing fundamental values, are crucial in upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Last March, the two countries held their first intergovernmental consultation on economic security, involving both government leaders and six key ministers, marking a significant step in their relationship. In July, Prime Minister Kishida visited Berlin, where he and Chancellor Scholz agreed to enhance cooperation and establish a consultation framework on economic security. As Germany increases its involvement in the Indo-Pacific, Japan and Germany have strengthened their security and defense ties. This includes recent visits by the German Air Force to Chitose Air Base, the German Navy to Tokyo, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to Hamburg.
Can you share specific examples of recent German-Japanese joint-ventures or initiatives that have significantly strengthened ties between Japan and Germany?
At the Japan-Germany summit in July 2024, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation between the private sectors of both countries in key strategic areas of economic security, such as hydrogen, clean energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals. In the hydrogen sector, for example, JOGMEG, an institution of the Japanese government, and the German H2Global Foundation signed an MOU for institutional cooperation this year. Additionally, private-sector collaborations are also advancing, such as Hydrogen Generation Systems or power plants that run 100% on hydrogen, taking advantage of Japan’s great technological potential.
With support from the Japanese government, a development project has started between Japan’s semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute.
Hidenao Yanagi, Ambassador of Japan to Germany
In the semiconductor sector, with support from the Japanese government, a development project has started between Japan’s semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus and Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute. Furthermore, in 5G network construction, cooperation is progressing between Germany’s emerging telecom operator 1&1 and Japan’s Rakuten and NEC. Further development of these initiatives between the two countries is expected.
How have recent economic collaborations between Japan and Germany, especially in sectors such as technology and infrastructure, contributed to bilateral relations?
In recent years, as geopolitical risks have increased and economic security challenges have become more apparent, unified responses from allied and like-minded nations have become crucial. Among these, the collaboration between Japan and Germany, which share similarities in industrial structure and advanced technological capabilities, is particularly important.
For example, Japan and Germany working together to build open, secure, diverse, and resilient 5G networks contributes to the protection of critical infrastructure in both countries. Additionally, cooperation in strategic sectors such as hydrogen, semiconductors, and rare resources not only helps mitigate the risks of over-reliance but also contributes to building robust supply chains, ensuring energy security, and addressing the climate crisis.
Japan and Germany working together to build open, secure, diverse, and resilient 5G networks contributes to the protection of critical infrastructure in both countries.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-Germany Science and Technology Agreement and the 40th anniversary of cooperation between RIKEN and the Max Planck Society. The collaboration in research and development fields, including space development between JAXA and DLR, also plays a significant role in advancing Japan-Germany relations.
As we commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the City Partnership between Berlin and Tokyo, could you share a message reflecting on its importance and impact on bilateral relations and cultural exchange? Additionally, what specific activities or initiatives are you looking forward to as part of this milestone celebration?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the city partnership between Tokyo and Berlin. In May, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Wegner visited Tokyo. Berlin is well-known as a hub for startups in Europe, and I understand that the two metropolises will be working together on shared challenges such as promoting decarbonization and sustainable growth. The Japan-Germany Center in Berlin continues to play an important role as a venue for intellectual and human exchange between the two countries and Berlin. Berlin also hosts cultural landmarks such as the Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum and the Humboldt Forum, which houses the East Asian Art Museum and a tea room. I hope that these two vibrant capital cities will continue to deepen their exchanges, including in the cultural sphere, and further develop their relationship.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the city partnership between Tokyo and Berlin. In May, Berlin’s Governing Mayor Wegner visited Tokyo.
What are your priorities and aspirations for further deepening collaboration and understanding between Japan and Germany in the coming years?
Given the current international situation, it is increasingly important for G7 nations that share fundamental values such as democracy and the rule of law to cooperate, particularly Japan and Germany. Both countries must continue to deepen their collaboration, addressing challenges like supporting Ukraine, managing the situation in the Middle East, and tackling emerging economic security issues. Additionally, there is a strong expectation for enhanced cooperation between Japan, Germany, and the EU in fields like research and development in space, beyond 5G/6G, the creation of international rules for cybersecurity, and AI.
Furthermore, it is crucial to further develop intellectual and human exchanges between Japan and Germany through Japanese-German Forum and city relationships. Lastly, I hope that many people from Germany will visit the “Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan”, which will be held next year.
