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December 2011

Basic Data

Diplomatic Relations:
The first contact between Japan and Portugal began in 1542 when three Portuguese reached the southern tip of Japanese Archipelago after their boat was blown off course. Since then until Japan adopted the policy of seclusion, Portuguese brought various examples, both physical and abstract, of European culture and civilization to Japan. In the middle of the 16th century, Portugal also became the first European country that Japanese visited.
   Except for a short period of absence after the Second World War, Japan and Portugal have enjoyed good relations. To commemorate the 450th anniversary in 1993 of their good relations, both countries organized and held a variety of events in each country. In the same year, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado made an official visit to Portugal, and then President Mario Soares visited Japan as a state guest. In 1998, Expo 98-Lisbon is being held from May 22 to September 30 under the theme of "Oceans-Heritage for the Future," and the Japanese government has opened a Japanese pavilion at the exposition. From May 23 to 25, Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress made their first visit to Portugal during their trip to Europe. In 2010 Japan and Portugal will cerebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace, Amity and Commerce.
Japanese Nationals in Portugal:
552 (December 2007)

Economic Relations

The overall value of trade between Japan and Portugal oscillates around 100 to 120 billion yen in recent years. In 2007, exportation from Japan amounts to 96.5 billion yen (8.1% increase from the previous year), and importation in the same year from Portugal amounts to 19.9 billion yen (8.9% decrease from the previous year). The main export items from Japan to Portugal are automobiles (20.6%), auto parts (12.4%) and diesel engine (10.3%), while the main import items from Portugal to Japan are tomato puree and pastes (8.0%), acyclic hydrocarbons (6.0%), and carboxyamide-function compounds (5.9%). (Source: Trade Statistics of the Ministry of Finance of Japan 2007)
   Direct investmentfrom Japan in 2007 sums to -11 billion yen (withdrawal), while from Portugal to Japan to -0.2 billion yen (withdrawal). (Source: Statistics of the Bank of Japan)

VIP Visits

From Japan to Portugal
Year Name
2004 HIH The Crown Prince
2006 Special Envoy Yamaguchi
2007 Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Defence Kitagawa
Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Economy and Industry Matsuyama
From Portugal to Japan
Year Name
2002 Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Amado
2003 Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Santos
2004 Minister of Foreign Affairs Goureia
2005 President Sampaio
2006 Minister of Economy and Innovation Pinho
2007 Minister of Foreign Affairs Amado

Cultural Exchanges

In 1994 Lisbon was designated a "cultural capital of Europe," and among many cultural events held during the year, Japan also held many cultural events introducing Japan to people of Portugal. Seven sister-city agreements have been reached between Japanese and Portuguese cities.

Press Secretary's Press Conference on Portugal

Year Month Date
2006 March 7
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