Japan-Germany Relations

Japan-Germany Summit Meeting and Working Dinner

October 28, 2026

On October 28, commencing at 6:10 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Germany Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, who is visiting Japan, followed by a joint press announcement. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views with the German economic delegation accompanying Chancellor Merz and Japanese economic representatives, and then held a dinner meeting between the two leaders.

On this occasion, the two leaders issued the “Japan-Germany Joint Leaders’ Statement,” the “Japan-Germany Joint Declaration on Advanced Technology Cooperation,” and the “Japan-Germany Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation.”

1 Opening Remarks

At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Chancellor Merz’s visit to Japan and, describing the relationship between Japan and Germany, nations that have together contributed to the peace and stability of the international community, as that of “Premium Partners”, stated that she wished to make the occasion one that demonstrates the unwavering cooperation between the two countries. 　
In response, Chancellor Merz stated that, despite the geographical distance between the two countries, they share so much in common that calling each other neighbors would not be an overstatement, and that the two countries are indeed “Premium Partners”. Taking into account the “Japan-Germany Joint Leaders’ Statement” to be issued on this occasion, he wished to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries in various fields.

2 Bilateral Relations

The two leaders concurred on strengthening cooperation in the areas of security and defense, in line with the Updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” and Germany’s “Policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific,” through such means as exploring opportunities and frameworks conducive to deepening force interoperability between the two countries, and promoting cooperation in the field of defense industry. 　
The two leaders welcomed the issuance of the “Japan-Germany Joint Declaration on Advanced Technology Cooperation” and concurred on advancing concrete initiatives involving public-private coordination in each of the advanced technology fields, including fusion and hydrogen. The two leaders also welcomed the launch of the Japan-Germany High-Level Dialogue on AI and concurred on advancing coordination toward the hosting of an AI Summit in Japan. 　
The two leaders welcomed the issuance of the “Japan-Germany Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation” and concurred on advancing concrete economic security cooperation, building upon a relationship possessing indispensable complementarity, in strengthening the resilience of supply chains, including diversifying critical minerals supply sources and developing alternative sources, in protecting critical technologies, and in maintaining a rules-based, free, open, and fair international economic order. 　
Prime Minister TAKAICHI conveyed Japan’s strong concerns regarding the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), and called for an appropriate response on the part of the EU. On that basis, the two leaders confirmed the importance of ensuring that the interests of Japan and Germany, as trusted partners, are reciprocally taken into consideration in industrial support measures for strategic sectors. 　
The two leaders also expressed serious concern over the increasing use of economic coercion, such as arbitrary export restrictions concerning critical minerals, and concurred on rejecting non-market policies and practices that give rise to excess capacity and other such consequences. 　
Chancellor Merz extended an invitation for Japan’s participation as a partner country for Hannover Messe 2028, and Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that she would be pleased to accept the invitation.

3 Regional Affairs

The two leaders exchanged views on affairs surrounding the Indo-Pacific, including responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and the issue of abductions,, and concurred the importance of strengthening cooperation in line with the updated "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" and Germany's "Policy Guidelines on the Indo-Pacific." They concurred in their opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, and confirmed that Japan and Germany will continue to coordinate closely. 　
With regard to the situation in Ukraine, Chancellor Merz expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance to Ukraine. The two leaders shared the view that they would continue to closely cooperate for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine while promoting assistance to Ukraine. 　
The two leaders shared the recognition of the importance of an international order based on the rule of law and concurred on further strengthening cooperation in the international arena.