Bridges: As we mark 160 years of diplomatic ties, how would you describe Japan–Belgium relations today?
Ambassador Osuga: Belgium is a strategic partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values and principles. The close relationship between the imperial and royal families is the foundation of the bonds between our peoples.
Last year, a Foreign Ministers’ meeting took place in April in Brussels and in September in Tokyo where two ministers exchanged views on further enhancing bilateral relations ahead of the 160th Anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium.
Their Royal Highnesses Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz visited Japan in June 2025. During their stay, Their Royal Highnesses met Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, as well as Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess Akishino. They also attended a signing ceremony for business partnership agreements by four Japanese and Belgian companies.
“Belgium is a strategic partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values and principles.”
Takeshi Osuga, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Belgium
The Belgian National Day event at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai in September was attended by three Belgian ministers, who took the opportunity to hold meetings with their Japanese counterparts and other officials with a view to seek more dynamic interactions with Japan. The Belgian Pavilion in the Expo featured biotechnology and other cutting-edge industries on top of world-famous Belgian gastronomy, including chocolates and waffles.
Through all these exchanges last year, I believe the relationship between Japan and Belgium has reached a remarkable level, not only at the level of two governments but also between our peoples.
Which sectors hold the strongest prospects for Japan–Belgium investment and trade?
There are many sectors with great potential, but if I had to pick a few, they would be offshore wind energy, hydrogen, next-generation semiconductors, digital transformation (DX), and advanced medical and pharmaceutical industries.
In December 2022, a high-level economic mission led by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid and comprising around 600 business representatives visited Japan. This mission aimed to foster cooperation in these sectors, and follow-up actions have led to tangible investments and partnerships.
In May 2024, His Majesty King Philippe visited Toyota Motor Europe’s R&D Center in Brussels and hosted a business roundtable with Japanese companies. This visit has greatly highlighted Belgium’s appeal as an investment destination for Japanese businesses, and offered bright prospects, even amidst global uncertainties, for mutual benefits through collaboration in the key sectors I just mentioned.
Additionally, starting this year, the Belgian government decided to dispatch a defense attaché to the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo. We look forward to new possibilities for future cooperation in the field of defense.
What is your vision for the Japan–Belgium partnership in the next decade?
We are planning various cultural and economic events throughout the year 2026 to celebrate the 160th Anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium. This will be a perfect opportunity for both countries to rediscover and identify the potential of the other and to further develop our friendships.
I am hoping that these celebrations are not fleeting moments, limited to one year but serve as catalysts for business creation and networking opportunities. It is my sincere wish that the exchanges during the 160th Anniversary will significantly boost the already robust economic and cultural ties between our countries.
The focus of the Japanese Embassy will naturally be on events held in Belgium, ranging from traditional Japanese cultural performances to pop culture and business exchanges. At the same time, I will seek as much synergy as possible with the efforts of the Belgium Embassy in Tokyo to promote our mutual understanding and friendship.
In an era of global uncertainties and polarizations, I sincerely hope that the partnership between Japan and Belgium will be further cemented and serve as a model for dialogue, cooperation, solidarity and friendship. Together, we will build relationships that would contribute to enhancing trust and harmony in the international community.
