Iceland–Japan relations

Iceland–Japan relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Iceland and Japan. Both nations are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

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History

In 1814, Iceland became a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1867, the Kingdom of Denmark and Japan signed a "Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation". Any and all trade relations between Iceland and Japan was carried out by Denmark. In 1944, Iceland became an independent nation. On 8 December 1956, Iceland and Japan established diplomatic relations.^[1]

In June 1999, Japanese Prime Minister Keizō Obuchi paid an official visit to Iceland. During his visit, Prime Minister Obuchi announced the opening of a Japanese embassy in Reykjavík. In 2002, both nations opened embassies in their respective capitals.^[2] In 2003, the University of Iceland began teaching Japanese as the first university course in Iceland to teach an Asian language and to specialize in Asian culture.^[3] In 2005, Iceland approached Japan on a free-trade accord.^[4] Each year, both nations obtain negative attention in the fact that they both continue whaling.^[5] In 2016, both nations celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations.^[6]

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Trade

In 2015, trade between Iceland and Japan totaled US$222 million. Icelandic exports to Japan include: fish and steel. Japanese exports to Iceland include: automobiles and electronic equipment.^[1] Several well known multinational Japanese companies such as Honda, Sony, Toshiba and Toyota (among others) operate in Iceland.

Iceland–Japan relations

History

High-level visits

Agreements

Trade

Resident diplomatic missions

See also

References

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