160 Years of
Japanese-German
Relations

In 2021, Japan and Germany look back on 160 years of friendship. On January 24th in 1861, Japan signed a treaty of friendship, trade and navigation with Prussia, which today is considered the beginning of Japanese-German diplomatic relations. Today, both countries are close partners committed to a rules-based, multilateral international order. Based on shared interests and values, Japan and Germany are jointly approaching global challenges and trends such as digitalization, climate change, demographic developments – while currently battling the ongoing pandemic.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) has long been engaged in and with Japan. Through our offices in Tokyo, Berlin and Brussels, KAS fosters political dialogue and multifaceted cooperation between Germany, Europe and Japan. On the occasion of the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations, KAS together with the Japanese Embassy of Germany will look ahead: How can Japan and Germany move closer to each other in a multilateral context? How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect and accelerate global developments in both countries? What can Japan and Germany learn from and with each other to thrive given the trends of the 21st century? Which formats does that take?

In two panel discussions focusing on a strong, resilient and smart future, renowned experts from Japan, Germany and other countries discuss challenges and joint solutions.

First Panel Session (19th April 2021)
Towards an Intensified Cooperation: Common Ground for Japan, Germany and their Partners

In the first session, the shared importance of an inclusive, rules-based international order pursued by both Japan and Germany is highlighted. The Indo-Pacific Guidelines published last year by the German Government emphasize diversified and multilateral relations with partners in the region. With its vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the Japanese Government likewise aims at building a multi-layered and inclusive cooperative network with partners in the region and beyond. Looking towards the future and including like-minded partners from the region, the following questions will be discussed:

• What expectations do Japan and Germany have towards each other when it comes to security and political cooperation?
• What are key success factors of multilateral cooperation across cultures, time zones and continents?
• In which topics and formats can Japan, Germany and like-minded partners foster and intensify their cooperation?

Second Panel Session (21st April 2021)
Towards a Sustainable Economic Recovery: Resilience and Transformations after COVID-19

In the second session, an economic lens is applied. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose heavy economic challenges in both Japan and Germany. Despite the devastating consequences, the transformation towards a green and sustainable post-pandemic “New Normal” is considered an opportunity that should not be missed. The “old” economic models based on carbon consumption resulted in the planet suffering from climate change and its diverse consequences. Looking towards the future, the following questions will be discussed:

• To what extent do Japanese and German businesses take the pandemic as a driver for green change?
• How can economic, climate and energy policies foster the post-pandemic transformation towards more sustainable supply and value chains?
• Which focus areas and actions do Japan and Germany consider essential for a sustainable recovery of the economy?
• What are the promising areas for Japanese-German collaboration in that regard?