Bridges: As Ambassador, how are you enjoying life in Denmark? What are some of your favorite aspects of Danish life?
Ambassador Uyama: Denmark is a country full of wonder from ruins of the Viking Age to modern design and architecture. It is very interesting to visit historic castles, churches, and unique museums, to understand the history and culture of this fascinating country. One of my favorite museums is the Design Museum Denmark which has an amazing collection of Japanese sword brims as well as an extensive display of the finest Danish designs. My wife and I also enjoy concerts, opera, and ballet, as we are enthusiastic fans of classical music. Walking in Tivoli amusement park in different seasons is also fun.
What is the Embassy doing to strengthen the Japan-Denmark relationship?
Japan and Denmark have fostered a long and friendly relationship since the first Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation was signed in 1867. We share common features as a country with one of the world’s longest-established imperial and royal families and a maritime trading nation that values a free, open, and rules-based maritime order. Japan and Denmark are strategic partners sharing democratic values and principles. As Europe and the Indo-Pacific have become increasingly interconnected, our cooperation as like-minded partners are more vital than ever in addressing global challenges. This commitment was reaffirmed in October 2023 when Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited Japan. The Joint Leaders’ Statement and the Joint Strategic Work Program have set the foundation for enhanced cooperation across areas such as security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
Japan and Denmark are strategic partners sharing democratic values and principles. As Europe and the Indo-Pacific have become increasingly interconnected, our cooperation as like-minded partners are more vital than ever in addressing global challenges.
Hideki Uyama, Ambassador of Japan to Denmark
2025 marks a pivotal year for Denmark’s international role as it has assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, chairs the Arctic Council from May, and holds the EU Presidency in the latter half of the year. In the increasingly uncertain and dynamic global landscape, our embassy remains dedicated to working closely with Danish counterparts to uphold an international order based on the rule of law, and to contribute to global peace and prosperity through the candid exchange of views.
On the economic front, we support Japanese companies entering the Danish market and assisting Danish companies expanding into Japan. I am particularly pleased to see the significant growth of Japanese investment in Denmark, especially in sectors such as green energy, healthcare and life sciences, and emerging technologies. I am also happy to attend opening ceremonies and other occasions for business collaborations between Japanese and Danish companies. Academic and research exchanges are also flourishing, most notably on quantum science and technology. If I take an example of our Embassy’s activities, we co-organized a business event in February since 2023 in close collaboration with Vejle Municipality. The event focused on welfare technology and loneliness/social isolation issues, offering a good opportunity for an insightful exchange of views and networking between Japanese and Danish businesses and academia.
Culturally, both Japanese and Danes appreciate beauty in simplicity. This shared aesthetic is reflected in the high level of interest Danes have in Japanese culture. A notable example is the annual SAKURA Festival held each spring near Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid statue, with the support of volunteers, companies, and the Japanese Association. Surrounded by 200 blooming cherry trees, this flagship event showcases traditional Japanese culture including martial arts, tea ceremonies, and Taiko drumming, alongside modern elements such as a cosplay competition, which thousands of Danes and Japanese enjoy together. Through events like this, our embassy makes every effort to deepen the mutual understanding and friendship between our two nations.
What are your expectations for the Osaka 2025 Expo later this year?
Denmark is participating in the Osaka-Kansai Expo as part of the joint Nordic pavilion. Denmark, consistently ranking among the world’s happiest nations and a leader in digitalization and sustainability, is expected to showcase innovative ideas and solutions on green transition, the circular economy, well-being, and much more.
The Expo 2025 offers an exciting opportunity to enhance business and trade relations. I hope Danish businesses will discover new avenues for investing in Japan, while Japanese companies will have the chance to learn more from Denmark’s innovation firsthand. This dynamic exchange holds great potential to cultivate further collaborations between our countries.
People-to-people exchanges are vital for a healthy bilateral relationship. What can be done to increase this here?
People-to-people exchanges are essential to strengthening bilateral relations, with the longstanding and warm relationship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Danish Royal Family serving as a cornerstone. A touching example of this bond was seen in June 2011 when His Majesty King Frederik X, then Crown Prince, visited Higashi-Matsushima City in Miyagi Prefecture only 3 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake. His visit brought encouragement and hope to the affected communities and underlined the deep connection between our two countries. The ties between our nations extend beyond royalty to encompass economic, trade, cultural and academic spheres, and we continue to foster a strong friendship.
I am very pleased that the number of Danish visitors to Japan increased in 2024 by approximately 30 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 41,000; a record high. Japan has also been recognized as the best travel destination outside Europe in the Danish Travel Awards. To build on this momentum, the Embassy is promoting Japan’s touristic attractions, culture, and cuisine through our social media platforms to further increase Japan’s visibility as a travel destination.
In addition to tourism, educational and cultural exchanges play vital roles in fostering mutual understanding. Many exchange programs exist between Japanese and Danish universities and high schools, and numerous Japanese students study at Folkehøjskole in Denmark. The recent revision of Japan’s working holiday system in December 2024, allowing Danish nationals to receive a visa twice in a lifetime, further expands opportunities for youth exchanges. Sister cities or partnership cities also contribute significantly to grassroots connections. For example, the cities of Funabashi and Odense celebrated 35 years of partnership last year, highlighting the importance of alliances between local governments.
What messages do you have for our readers regarding the future of Denmark and Japan?
In today’s increasingly uncertain and unpredictable time, we must strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between like-minded nations such as Japan and Denmark. Japan can learn a great deal from Denmark, a country ranked as one of the highest in the world in terms of digitization, competitiveness, and work-life balance. Currently, Japan and Denmark are engaged in a dynamic exchanges that encompass advanced scientific and technological collaboration, business partnerships and cultural and educational interactions. I am confident that the combination of the innovative strengths of the two countries will be able to present solutions to common societal and global challenges. Japan and Denmark can and must inspire each other and advance together to create a better society and a better world. Just like a slogan of the Nordic Pavilion at EXPO 2025, “Together Towards a Better Future.”
