Japan-Denmark Relations 
June 2011
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.
- Visit to Japan by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark (June 17, 2011)
- Visit to Japan by Mr. Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark (March 2010)
- Talks between Prime Minister Taro Aso and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen (January 2009)
- Exchange of Notes concerning Supplies and Services Contributed to the Armed Forces or Other Similar Entities of Denmark, under the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law (September 2008)
- Meeting between Mr. Mashiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mrs. Connie Hedegaard, Minister for Climate and Energy of the Kingdom of Denmark (June 2008)
- Statement by the Press Secretary on the Difficult Situation over Caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad (February 2006)
- Visit to Japan of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark, and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort (Announcement by the Press Secretary) (October 2004)
- Japan-Denmark Summit Meeting (Overview and Evaluation) (July 2002)
Press Secretary's Press Conference on Denmark
| Year | Month | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | November | 9 |
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