Japan-Denmark Relations (Overview) 
February 2012
Overview
History of the Bilateral Relationship
Japan and Denmark exchanged diplomatic missions on a reciprocal basis after conclusion of the "Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and Denmark" in 1867. Both countries have since then enjoyed a friendly relationship for more than a century. Both countries have close ties not only in the economic and trade fields, but also in the cultural and academic areas, and their friendship is growing at a steady pace.
The contacts between Japan's Imperial Family and the Danish Royal Family also has a significant role to play for the two countries friendship. H. R. H. Crown Prince Frederik visited Japan with a Danish economic mission in October, 1997. The first official visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to Denmark was realized in June, 1998.
Economic Relations
The economic relations between Japan and Denmark are fairly well developed and stable. Denmark enjoys a trade surplus with Japan. The main export items from Japan to Denmark are passenger cars, VTR, motorcycles, and computers. Especially Japanese cars have a large market share of about 25 percent (as of 1996). Pork, medicines, shipping parts, shrimp, and cheese are the main import items from Denmark to Japan. The toy manufacturer "Lego" and "Nobo Nordisk" are among the companies which have succeeded in the Japanese market. Major Danish enterprises, such as the worldwide shipping agent Maersk, Royal Copenhagen, and George Jensen, have also made inroads into the Japanese market.
Cultural Exchanges
The exhibition "Japan Today" which introduced various aspects of Japanese contemporary culture organized in cooperation with Lousiana Modern Museum in 1995 gained much popularity among Danes. "The European Cultural Capital Copenhagen '96 " was held in 1996, during which Edo fireworks from Japan as well as performance of theater plays and other Japanese cultural events were organized, thus contributing significantly to the understanding of Japanese culture in Denmark.
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