Finland–Japan relations

Finland-Japan relations

Finland
Japan

Finland–Japan relations are foreign relations between the Republic of Finland and Japan. Japan first recognized Finland and established diplomatic relations in 1919.[1] Diplomatic relations were temporarily broken in 1944 but were re-established again in 1957.[2] Since then, Finland and Japan have maintained good-natured relations, and have cooperated in places such as science and technology and trade. Both nations share an embassy in the other's capital.

History

While Japan recognised Finland in 1919, relations with Finland date back to 1905, when Japanese intelligence agent Akashi Motojiro attempted to smuggle arms to Finnish nationalists on the SS John Grafton.

After the Finns signed peace with the Soviet Union, diplomatic relations were severed, because of British pressure.[3]

The first visit of a Finnish state representative to Japan occurred when Foreign Minister Keijo Korhonen visited as an official representative in February of 1977. The paved the way for continued relations between the two, with Finnish Prime Minister Kalevi Sorsa visiting in December of the same year.[4]

State visits

In May 2000, Emperor Akihito visited Finland.[5]

President of the Republic of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, visited Japan in 2019 to attend the coronation of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino visited Finland in 2019 to celebrate the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan. President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, paid a visit to Japan on 8–12 June 2025.[6]

Transport

In 2013, Japan Airlines started operating direct flights between Tokyo and Helsinki.[7] Finnair operates flights from Helsinki to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

Trade

Historically, Japan has exported more to Finland than they had imported, however more recently, Finland has begun to export more to Japan than they imported. Notable exports of Finland include timber, cobalt, other crude materials, and manufactured goods, and for Japan, cars and machinery.[2][8]

Sport relations

Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT is a Japanese World Rally Championship factory which based in Finland, it serving as the entry for the car manufacturer Toyota.

Cultural relations

The Finnish Moomin series has also been highly popular in Japan, particularly the 1990 TV adaptation.[9] Moomin (1969 TV series) and New Moomin have only been released in Japan.

Diplomatic missions

The Embassy of Japan is located in Helsinki. The Embassy of Finland is located in Tokyo.

  • Embassy of Finland in Tokyo
  • Embassy of Japan in Helsinki

See also

References

  1. ^ "Diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan". Finland abroad: Japan. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  2. ^ a b "Japan-Finland Relations (Basic Data)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Archived from the original on 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-08-28.
  3. ^ https://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2115/5026/1/KJ00000112960.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ^ "Diplomatic relations between Finland and Japan". Finland abroad: Japan. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
  5. ^ "Japanese-Finnish Bilateral Relations". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (in Finnish). Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  6. ^ Uusi-Hakala, Katja (2 June 2025). "President Stubb's visit to Japan strengthens bilateral ties between the two countries". Presidentti.
  7. ^ "Japan-Finland Relations (Overview)". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  8. ^ Sugimoto, Shiho (August 28, 2025). "2025-04-EU-JP-Trade-Report-2024" (PDF). Retrieved August 28, 2025.
  9. ^ Wood, Jessica (21 November 2017). "Are Finland and Japan Obsessed With Each Other?". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
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