Relations between Greece and Japan through diplomatic documents

The year 2024 was declared as the Greece-Japan Year of Culture and Tourism. In the context of the relevant events that have been organized, the Service of Diplomatic and Historical Archives of the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents, through the archival material that it possesses, an exhibition of documents and other items with the aim of illustrating some of the most important moments in the history of the relations between the two states.

Formal relations between Greece and Japan begin with the signing of the first bilateral Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between the two states, which was signed 125 years ago, in 1899. Thoughts and preliminary actions for the nomination of an Honorary Consul of Greece in Japan had been made as early as 1873, but consular relations were officially inaugurated in 1905 with the nomination of a Consul of Greece in Yokohama. Diplomatic relations were established in 1918, with the establishment of the Embassy of Greece in Tokyo.

Through the documents of the exhibition, in addition to the official diplomatic and consular relations between the two states, important moments of the relations in other areas, such as culture and economy, are also highlighted, presenting a complete picture of the cooperation and friendship between Greece and Japan during the last 125 years.