Japan

Political relations

In 2018, France and Japan commemorated the 160ᵗʰ anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The two countries are bound together by an “exceptional partnership” promoting security, growth, innovation and culture.

Japan and France promote the same values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law on the international stage, and they are both committed to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The two countries see one another as key partners within international institutions and crucial stakeholders both in their respective regions and within the international community. As Pacific nations, France and Japan are committed to peace and stability in the region. In October 2015, France and Japan adopted a Franco-Japanese Plan for sustainable development, health and security in Africa.

The partnership between the two countries has grown constantly in recent years, particularly supported by an annual summit between the two countries and meetings on the sidelines of international summits, such as the G7 or the G20.

The strategic dialogue held at regular intervals alternately in France and Japan was raised to Foreign Minister-level in January 2012. The eighth session took place in Paris in January 2019. Since 2014, it has been centred on political and military dialogue at the level of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence (“2+2”), the fifth session of which was held in Brest in January 2019.

Economic relations

In 2019, the bilateral trade deficit dropped by almost €1 billion to €2.6 billion, mainly due to a two-fold increase in aviation exports, which are now equivalent to a quarter of French exports to Japan. Results in the agri-food industry are encouraging (exports up 7%), which is boosted by the entry into force of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and Japan. Overall, French exports to Japan increased by 17% in 2019 to €7.7 billion. The sectoral structure of French imports, which amount to €10.3 billion, remains unchanged with a significant proportion of imports of equipment and intermediary goods.

In terms of direct cross-investment, France invests more in Japan (€1.4 billion in flows, €21 billion in stock in 2019, according to the Banque de France) than Japan invests in France (€0.9 billion in flows, €12.7 billion in stock in 2019). France is Japan’s second-largest investor, but comes 20th among countries in which Japan invests, according to the JETRO. Nonetheless, Japan continues to be the leading Asian investor in France. French direct investment in Japan is mainly focused on the manufacturing industry, in particular the automobile sector, and in finance and insurance (more than half and one third, respectively). Japanese investments in France, meanwhile, are focused on the manufacturing sector and vehicle trade. 
The latest session of the economic and financial dialogue at Economy and Finance Minister level was held in Tokyo on 10 June 2019.