Japan-Portugal Relations

Diplomatic Relations:

The first contact between Japan and Portugal occurred in 1543 when three Portuguese merchants landed on Tanegashima Island at the southern tip of the Japanese Archipelago after their boat was blown off course. Since then until Japan adopted its policy of seclusion in 1639, the Portuguese brought various examples, both physical and abstract, of European culture and civilization to Japan. In the late 16th century, Portugal also became the first European country to receive official Japanese emissaries.

Except for a short period of time following the Second World War, Japan and Portugal have enjoyed good relations. In 1993, both countries organized and held a variety of events to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the Portuguese arrival in Japan. In the same year, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Takamado made an official visit to Portugal, and the then President Mario Soares visited Japan as a state guest. In 1998, the Lisbon World Exposition was held from May 22 to September 30 under the theme "The Oceans: a Heritage for the Future", and the Japanese government 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 celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Treaty of Peace, Amity and Commerce. And in 2013, in the occasion of the 470th anniversary of the initial contact between Japan and Portugal, both countries held various events to celebrate and strengthen their friendship.

Japanese Nationals in Portugal:

• 689 (2020) (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)

Portuguese Nationals in Japan:

• 407 (2020) (Source: Ministry of Justice of Japan)

In 2019, exports from Japan to Portugal totaled €59.9 billion , and imports from Portugal to Japan totaled €80.3 billion.

The main export items from Japan to Portugal are automobiles and auto parts, machinery, electrical equipment, rubber manufactures, precision instruments, processed oils, fats and waxes, nonferrous metals, manufactures of metal, textile yarn, fabrics, organic chemicals, and plastic materials.

The main import items from Portugal to Japan are clothing and accessories, electrical equipment, vegetables, footwear, automobiles and auto parts, textile yarn, fabrics, fish, wood, lumber and cork, wine, machinery, and chemicals. (Source: Trade Statistics of the Ministry of Finance of Japan)

In 2018, Japanese direct investment into Portugal totaled 200 million yen (flow), and 480 million yen (balance). (Source: Statistics of the Bank of Japan)

In 2019, 32,349 people visited Portugal from Japan, an increase of 22% from the prior year. In 2019, 144,355 people visited Japan from Portugal, an increase of 22% from the prior year. (Source: Japan National Tourism Organization)

Eight sister-city agreements have been reached between Japanese and Portuguese cities, including one International Friendship City.

Leiria - Tokushima, Porto - Nagasaki, Aveiro - Oita, Cascais - Atami, Vila do Bispo - Nishinoomote, Sintra - Omura, Nazaré - Zushi (International Friendship City), Abrantes - Hitoyoshi