Prof. Dr. Nejat Bora Sayan, President of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation
Bridges: How important is this year’s 100 years of diplomatic relations for both countries?
Dr. Sayan: The history of our relations with Japan spans over 130 years, beginning with the Ertuğrul Frigate and strengthening over the years. The 100-year history of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan has reinforced mutual understanding and friendship in many areas.
During this period, both countries have supported each other and strengthened cultural and economic ties. Especially in recent years, the increase in trade volume and investments has further underscored the strategic importance of these relations.
The development of diplomatic relations during this period has enabled cooperation in education, culture, economy, global issues, and many other areas. The relations between the two countries contribute to international peace and stability.
The 100-year diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan are not only crucial for bilateral relations but also hold great importance for regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.
Prof. Dr. Nejat Bora Sayan, President of the Turkish-Japanese Foundation
In a world where nations are often pitted against each other due to ongoing wars in various regions, the ability of two countries located miles apart to come together in the most challenging times, support each other, fight shoulder to shoulder against difficulties, seek common solutions, and establish relations based on mutual understanding and trust over a century should serve as an example to the world.
Furthermore, diplomatic relations have significantly impacted cultural exchanges and human relationships. The cultural interaction between the two countries has allowed for a rich exchange in fields such as literature, art, and sports, enhancing mutual understanding.
The 100-year diplomatic relations between Turkey and Japan are not only crucial for bilateral relations but also hold great importance for regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. We believe that continuing these relations in the future with the same spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship will serve the common interests of both countries and the global community.
Turkish-Japanese relations have shown us that two countries, two nations, regardless of distance, can sustain their existence by learning a lot from each other, developing, and growing stronger in peace and understanding. As the Turkish Japanese Foundation, we are delighted to have Japan as our partner and to contribute to the development of this century-old friendship.
What contributions is the Foundation making to this important anniversary?
The Turkish-Japanese Foundation holds the distinction of being the only foundation established in Turkey to contribute to the establishment and strengthening of bilateral relations in all fields. Many associations have been established in various cities of Turkey, primarily in Ankara, to contribute to Turkish-Japanese friendship relations.
The year 2024 has excited us greatly, and at the beginning of the year, we reached out to all these associations to create synergy by coming together with the idea that strength arises from unity. Based on the ideas that emerged from the meetings, we organised many events with the support of the Japanese Embassy.
I want to express that in our country there are many valuable academics, diplomats, statesmen, experts, and volunteer friends who have dedicated their lives to working on Japan and developing these relations.
With the support of all our esteemed elders, colleagues, and friends who are passionate about Japan, we organised seminars on education in Japan, disaster research and disaster education seminars, and concerts bringing together Japanese and Turkish musicians at our foundation throughout the year.
Additionally, we introduced elements of Japan’s traditional culture to the Turkish people, such as Bonsai, Kimono, Kendo, Aikido, Origami, Sumi-e, Japanese Drumming, and Japanese Sword Art.
Of course, when it comes to diplomatic relations, we brought together our ambassadors who have served in Japan to hold a panel titled “The 100 Years of Turkey-Japan Diplomatic Relations through the Eyes of Our Ambassadors in Tokyo.” We believe that this panel, where the developments of relations in diplomatic, commercial, and cultural fields from past to present were discussed in detail, will shed light on the future.
What are your hopes for the future of the Turkey-Japan partnership?
Firstly, an increase in economic cooperation and trade volume is expected. Both countries can develop joint projects in strategic sectors such as technology, infrastructure, energy, defence, and disaster management. Combining Japanese technology and the Turkish workforce could contribute to the emergence of innovative solutions and products.
Secondly, we desire more collaboration in cultural and educational fields. Increasing student exchanges, language learning programs, and cultural events will help people better understand each other’s cultures and deepen friendships.
With the future strengthening of diplomatic and political relations, Turkey and Japan can work together for common interests at regional and global levels. By cooperating in international organisations and forums, they can play effective roles in global peace, security, and sustainable development.
Finally, increasing mutual investments and joint ventures by individuals and companies and deepening commercial relations through increased mutual trust can establish stronger ties in the business world.
The future of this potential partnership between Turkey and Japan will be bright as long as it is built on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. The ability of both countries to find common solutions to global challenges will allow the partnership to have a positive impact not only for the two countries but also globally.
I want to highlight the thoughts of Ambassador Yamaguchi, who was Japan’s Ambassador to Ankara during the “Changing World Turkish-Japanese Relations Symposium” organised by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMU) and the Turkish Japanese University Alumni Association on June 18, 1993.
Ambassador Yamaguchi stated that the relations between Turkey and Japan would be significantly strengthened in fields such as economy, finance, health, education, culture, and disaster management with the emergence of Turkish states such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, along with the Turks living in Albania, Macedonia, Greece, and Bulgaria following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
He even said that Turkish-Japanese cooperation could leave a mark on the 21st century. I want to emphasise once again that realising this statement will benefit both countries.
As the Turkish Japanese Foundation, we hope that the relations and strong bonds of friendship between Turkey and Japan will continue to grow for many more years. We will continue our work with all our strength with the motto expressed by Japan’s former Ambassador to Turkey, Akio Miyajima, that “Turkey and Japan are two states but one heart.”
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