Japan-Austria Relations (Overview) 
September 2009
Overview
History of the Bilateral Relationship
(1) Japan and Austria have a long history of friendly bilateral relations. Japan concluded in 1869 the "Treaty of Amity and Commerce," thus establishing diplomatic relations with Austria. Diplomatic relations were restored in July 1953 by an exchange of notes, after having passed through a period of interruption during the Second World War. Direct flights between Tokyo and Vienna were established in 1989 (a joint service between Austrian Airlines and All Nippon Airways), which contributed to accelerating bilateral exchanges.
(2) Exchanges between Japan and Austria in Recent years.
Japan and Austria celebrated the 130 years of diplomatic exchange in 1999, and on that occasion, the then President Klestil visited Japan as a state guest. In 2006, the then Prime Minister Schussel visited Japan as the EU chairman, and held a summit meeting with the then Prime Minister Koizumi.
(3) Japanese-Austrian Committee for the 21st Century
Following the proposal made by both foreign ministers, both countries established the "Japanese-Austrian Committee for the 21st Century" in 1994, which consists of members from the business circle, academics, and government officials. Until now, 10 meetings have been held to have future-oriented discussions about regional issues of mutual interest, trade and investment promotion.
Economic Relations
- Exports 138.8 billion yen (automobiles, video cameras) (2006)
- Imports 179.2 billion yen (automobiles, lumber, wood materials) (2006)
Cultural Exchanges
Japan and Austria have active exchanges in culture and art. On the occasion of the 'Japan-EU Year of People-to-People Exchanges' in 2005, more the 120 events such as the No play and other Japanese traditional art performances were held in Austria.
Japan-Austria Year 2009 
Both countries will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2009, and many events are being planned.
Back to Index
