Record Spanish visitor numbers to Japan and widespread interest in Japanese culture across Spain demonstrate the mutual goodwill between the two countries. Japan’s Ambassador to Spain, Hiroshi Yamauchi, discusses more than four centuries of friendship and his priorities for greater investment and cooperation in both directions.
Bridges: Spain and Japan share strong political, economic and cultural ties based on common values and close cooperation on international issues. How would you assess the current state of the bilateral relationship and its strategic importance to both countries?
Ambassador Yamauchi (山内 弘志): Both countries enjoy a friendship lasting for more than four centuries, and in 2028, we will celebrate the 160th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. This relationship is based on time-tested trust and friendship, as well as shared values and principles. Japan and Spain have been strategic partners since 2018, and since then, there has been remarkable progress in Japan-Spain relations. Relations between the two countries are now in an excellent state. Exchanges between the two countries have made significant strides across all areas—from politics, security, defense, and economy, to cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
An example of advances in the field of security and defense is the deployment of a frigate to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025, which was the first visit by a Spanish naval vessel to Japan in 131 years. Additionally, a Spanish defense attaché office was established in Tokyo in 2025. This has facilitated the advancement of bilateral cooperation through defense attaches, and through enhanced contacts, further strengthening of defense ties is expected.
In the economic sphere, Japan has been the top Asian investor in Spain, and conversely, Spain has invested in renewable energy in Japan. We hope to give impetus to further collaboration between companies of both countries.
With regard to people-to-people exchanges, the number of Spanish tourists visiting Japan in 2025 reached 245,000, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking figures. We can say that the peoples of the two countries are closer than ever.
In addition, events related to Japanese culture are now being held throughout Spain, which can be described as a “Japan boom.” Meanwhile, in Japan, Spanish cuisine flourishes, flamenco continues to enjoy enduring popularity, and Spain’s recent victory in the Football World Cup also added to its excellent image. There is a genuine mutual goodwill and respect among the two peoples.
“Japan and Spain have been strategic partners since 2018, and since then, there has been remarkable progress in Japan-Spain relations. Relations between the two countries are now in an excellent state. Exchanges between the two countries have made significant strides across all areas—from politics, security, defense, and economy, to cultural and people-to-people exchanges.”
Hiroshi Yamauchi, Japan’s Ambassador to Spain
Japan and Spain are deepening their cooperation not only in bilateral relations, but also collaborating globally, sharing the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, which is an area that lies between Japan and Spain. Awareness of the inseparability of security in the Indo-Pacific and the Euro-Atlantic regions is growing in both countries, and it is clear that strengthening their respective commitments directly contributes to the prosperity and the maintenance of a free and open international order.
Furthermore, Spain is not only a major European power but also a country of unique geographical significance. Spain maintains deep ties with geographically close regions such as the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa. Spain also has an inseparable relationship with Latin America, a region with which it shares many historical, cultural, and linguistic commonalities. As the international community undergoes a period of significant transformation, it is no exaggeration to say that strengthening relations with Spain, with its unique characteristics as mentioned above, will become increasingly significant for Japanese diplomacy. We are convinced that through deepening cooperation between Japan and Spain we can better contribute to the peace, security and prosperity in the world.
In this regard, as strategic partners, we believe that it is important to promote further high-level political exchanges to enhance cooperation between our two countries.
Spain has become an important destination for Japanese companies seeking access to European and international markets. What qualities make Spain particularly attractive to Japanese businesses and investors today?
Spain currently has one of the highest economic growth rates among the major EU economies. Its real GDP growth rate reached 2.8% in 2025 and is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2026, making it one of Europe’s strongest-performing economies. This solid growth is driven by robust tourism and services sectors, substantial investment in renewable energy and digital infrastructure through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), and stronger domestic demand, supported by labor market reforms and population growth.
Moreover, Spain is one of Europe’s leaders in renewable energy, accounting for roughly 56% of its electricity generation. This sustainable foundation for growth is highly attractive to Japanese companies that prioritize decarbonization and digital transformation (DX).
According to statistics from the Registry of Foreign Investments under the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business, Japan has positioned itself as Spain’s largest Asian investor in terms of investment stock since 2019, and Spain is attracting strong interest not only as a gateway to the European market but also as a strategic hub for expansion into Latin America.
Both countries are advancing their digital and green transitions. Which sectors do you believe offer the strongest opportunities for Spain–Japan cooperation over the next three to five years?
We believe that there are significant opportunities for collaboration over the next three to five years in industries anchored in Green Transformation (GX), Digital Transformation (DX), and strategic industries. In Japan, the government has designated 17 priority strategic investment areas, most of which interrelate with GX and DX, while Spain is also advancing in digitalization and the green transition as national strategies. The policy directions of both countries are highly aligned, and their strengths are mutually complementary.
In particular, we expect cooperation to be strengthened in digital fields such as AI and quantum technologies; GX areas such as renewable energy and hydrogen; and strategic industries including aerospace, defense, and life sciences.
What is your vision for the next stage of Spain–Japan relations, and what message would you like to share with business leaders seeking to contribute to this partnership?
Japan–Spain economic relations have grown steadily over the years, mostly driven by investment from Japanese companies in Spain. Looking ahead, we hope to build on this momentum by fostering a truly two-way investment relationship and collaboration, with greater investment from Spanish companies in Japan.
The Government of Japan has set a target of increasing the stock of inward foreign direct investment to 120 trillion yen by 2030 and continues to improve Japan’s investment environment. In addition to being a stable and mature market, Japan offers abundant business opportunities in the industries that will drive future growth.
We warmly encourage more Spanish companies to consider Japan as their next investment destination and a partner for collaboration. We look forward to further developing Japan–Spain economic relations into a partnership that delivers lasting value and mutual prosperity for the two countries.
Specifically, the strategic industries such as the defense industry are one sector where further strengthening of cooperation is expected. The governments of both countries are currently negotiating an Agreement on the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Once concluded, this agreement will provide a solid legal framework for expanding bilateral defense-industrial cooperation. We believe that defense-industrial collaboration between Japan and Spain will help build a more resilient global supply chain linking the Pacific and Europe—one that is diversified—and is therefore of the utmost importance for strengthening the economic security of both countries and their allies.
“Japan–Spain economic relations have grown steadily over the years, mostly driven by investment from Japanese companies in Spain. Looking ahead, we hope to build on this momentum by fostering a truly two-way investment relationship and collaboration, with greater investment from Spanish companies in Japan.”
Which recent Japanese investments or partnerships in Spain best demonstrate the strength of bilateral economic ties, and which Spanish companies have been particularly successful in Japan?
There are also a number of notable examples of investment and cooperation from Japan that have made use of Spain’s strengths in renewable energy. For example, Elawan Energy S.L., a subsidiary of Orix, has been achieving strong results in renewable energy generation. NTT DATA has also been active across Spain in the digital and IT sectors. More recently, Mitsubishi Electric has invested in PLD Space, further strengthening cooperation between Japan and Spain in the space sector.
The Spanish company that is most recognized by many Japanese people is likely ZARA, part of the INDITEX Group. It enjoys strong support from Japanese consumers and is one example of the presence of Spanish brands in Japan.
We should also mention that Iberdrola is investing in offshore wind projects in Japan. The company is steadily advancing collaborations with Japanese firms and is an emblematic example of Spain–Japan economic collaboration in Green Transformation (GX).
