Japan and Portugal are giving new momentum to a relationship that spans centuries. Following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2025, cooperation is expanding across trade, investment, energy, technology and people-to-people exchanges. Tsutomu Nakagawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Portuguese Republic, discusses the evolving Japan-Portugal relationship and the growing scope for cooperation across business, culture and people-to-people ties.

Bridges: Japan and Portugal recently elevated their relationship through a Strategic Partnership. From Japan’s perspective, what makes this partnership especially significant at this moment?

Nakagawa: The September 2025 summit, at which Japan and Portugal agreed to elevate our relations to a Strategic Partnership, was the first bilateral leaders’ meeting in a decade. Although our countries have long shared fundamental values and strategic objectives, the Joint Statement adopted by then Prime Minister Ishiba and Prime Minister Montenegro provides a clear roadmap for building the future of our cooperation and developing concrete actions. At opposite ends of Eurasia, Japan and Portugal are geographically distant yet have much in common as maritime nations linked by sea. Under the Joint Statement, we expect deeper cooperation across political, security, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Which areas of cooperation between Japan and Portugal do you see as having the strongest potential for growth, particularly in trade, investment, innovation, energy, infrastructure and technology?

Collaboration in the energy sector is currently progressing, and we believe it also has significant growth potential in the years ahead. Marubeni, through EML, is active in renewable and thermal power, while DMM Energia Portugal, a joint subsidiary of MM Capital Partners, Mizuho Leasing and Daiwa Energy & Infrastructure, operates and develops onshore wind, solar and hydropower projects. Mitsui and Galp have established GEMS Biofuels and are building a renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility in Sines, with production expected to begin in early 2027. Tokyo Gas has invested in the WindFloat Atlantic floating offshore wind project. Together, these projects show how Japanese technology and investment complement Portugal’s expertise in renewable energy and its open market, with further opportunities in advanced technology, innovation and maritime cooperation.

How do you assess the current presence of Japanese companies in Portugal, and what factors make Portugal an attractive destination for Japanese business and investment?

The number of Japanese business establishments in Portugal has grown by more than 30% over the past five years. Japanese companies cite Portugal’s favorable climate and quality of life, its well-developed investment environment as an EU member state, and its abundant pool of skilled talent, which is competitive even by European standards. Portugal is also well positioned as a gateway to the EU and the wider European market, and as a springboard for expansion into Africa and Latin America. From Japan’s perspective, these advantages make Portugal a highly attractive business and investment destination.

Looking ahead, how can Japan and Portugal further strengthen business, cultural and people-to-people ties in the years to come?

The Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, introduced contemporary Portugal to many Japanese. Portuguese visitors to Japan rose from 42,300 in 2024 to 57,391 in 2025, allowing more Portuguese people to experience Japan.

New sister-city partnerships between Vidigueira and Uki in Kumamoto, and between Montemor-o-Velho and Hiji in Oita, have deepened ties between the two countries and their governments, regions, civic organizations and citizens. I am also encouraged by Portugal’s growing interest in Japanese culture, from manga and anime to Japanese cuisine.

I hope travel between Japan and Portugal continues to grow in both directions, deepening mutual appreciation and creating opportunities for new discoveries.