Japan and the United Nations

After World War II, the United Nations was founded in 1945 under the pledge to prevent the recurrence of war. 11 years later, on 18th December 1956, Japan accomplished its long-desired goal of joining the United Nations, as the 80th Member State.

For Japan, becoming a member of the United Nations signified its genuine return to the international community, as a peace-loving nation which contributes to international peace and prosperity.

Since then, United Nations policy has remained one of the major components of Japanese diplomacy. For three decades, Japan has been the second largest financial contributor of the United Nations just after the United States.

In January 2016, Japan joined the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member for the 11th time, which is the largest number of times among all Member States. As a member of the Security Council, Japan will continue to proactively contribute to global peace and security.

Today, the international community is facing a variety of global issues, such as conflicts, terrorism, refugees, poverty, climate change, and infectious diseases. It is essential for Japan to actively tackle these issues in close cooperation with the United Nations to realize international common interests and its own national interests.

In this landmark year of its 60th anniversary as a United Nations Member State, Japan will make further efforts for global security and prosperity as a "Proactive Contributor to Peace" within the framework of the United Nations.