Looking back on three years of diplomatic service, Makita Shimokawa describes Japan–France relations as both mature and resilient. “During the three years I served as Japanese Ambassador to France… I deeply appreciated the numerous diplomatic efforts conducted by Japan and France, and the maturity of our bilateral relationship,” he said, reflecting on a period marked by global uncertainty yet steady cooperation.
Key milestones reinforced that closeness. Shimokawa recalled that in 2023, when Japan assumed the G7 Presidency, France was chosen as Prime Minister Kishida’s first overseas destination. “It was a deeply moving moment when President Macron personally guided Prime Minister Kishida through Notre-Dame Cathedral,” he noted. Later that year, France’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup offered opportunities to engage with local communities and experience the country’s regional diversity firsthand. Even amid domestic political change in 2024, Shimokawa observed that the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France’s capacity for innovation and cultural expression.
“During the three years I served as Japanese Ambassador to France… I deeply appreciated the numerous diplomatic efforts conducted by Japan and France, and the maturity of our bilateral relationship.”
Makita Shimokawa, former Japanese Ambassador to France
That momentum carried into 2025 with Expo Osaka–Kansai. “I firmly believe these exchanges were a significant positive outcome of Japan hosting the World Expo,” Shimokawa said, pointing to the participation of French business leaders, regional representatives and the role of the French Pavilion in driving cultural and commercial dialogue. He also highlighted the December 2023 Roadmap on Japan–France Cooperation, noting that “steady progress has been made in areas such as civil nuclear energy, space, and economic security,” including collaboration on critical minerals.
“True global leadership is no longer about exporting a single model of success. It is about continuous learning, respect for local contexts, and uniting people around shared values and purpose.”
Akiko Klahr-Suzuki, President of AKS Japan International
Beyond diplomacy, leadership across business and technology plays a defining role in translating policy alignment into practical cooperation. Akiko Klahr-Suzuki of AKS Japan International emphasizes that trust is built through understanding. “True global leadership is no longer about exporting a single model of success,” she said. “It is about continuous learning, respect for local contexts, and uniting people around shared values and purpose.”
“Japan sets an extremely high bar for precision, uptime, service quality, and sustainability.”
Ryu Tatewaki, Managing Director of Exotec Asia-Pacific
Operational excellence is another arena where Japan–France cooperation takes concrete form. At Exotec, Japan has become a benchmark market shaping global standards. “Japan sets an extremely high bar for precision, uptime, service quality, and sustainability,” said Ryu Tatewaki, Managing Director of Exotec APAC. He added that Japanese customers have helped shift logistics thinking “from cost reduction alone to value creation,” influencing Exotec’s global roadmap.
Together, these perspectives underscore a partnership grounded not only in shared values, but in sustained dialogue and execution. As Shimokawa concluded, Japan and France will continue to stand as “Exceptional Partners.”
