Swedish Admiral Johan Olofsson Bergenstierna was one of the first recorded Swedes to have set foot in Japan when visiting in 1647 during a stopover. Four years later, seaman Olof Eriksson Willman arrived and ended up staying for one year. Willman later published a book titled A short account of a journey to East India and Japan. The Swedish edition was translated into Japanese in 1953 and released with the title Nihon Ryokoki
Credit: Kiöping & Willman, 1667
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1775Botanist Thunberg's visit
Carl Peter Thunberg, disciple of the renowned botanist Carl von Linné (or Carl Linneaus), came to Japan in 1775. His visit gave birth to the ground breaking books Flora Japonica and Fauna Japonica in which he documents 812 plant species and 334 animal species. In addition to botanical literature, Thunberg also published several works on Japan that gained him popularity in Europe and Japan. He was one of the few foreigners to visit Japan during its era of national isolation (1600-1868), and his accounts remain an important source of information about this period.
Credit: Edo sanpu zuikoki, Heibonsha
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1868Diplomatic relations established
On 11 November 1868, Sweden and Japan concluded a Treaty of Friendship, Navigation and Commerce, marking the starting-point of our diplomatic relations. It was the first such formal treaty with a foreign power signed by the young Meiji government. The Treaty was signed in Yokohama through Dutch legation.
Credit: JACAR（Japan Center for Asian Historical Records）Ref. B13091090200 (pp.1) MOFA Diplomatic Archives
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1871The Iwakura Mission visits Sweden
The Iwakura diplomatic Mission (1871-1873) bound for Europe and USA set sail with more than 100 administrators, scholars, diplomats and students. During the stopover in Sweden, the Mission visited industrial sites, schools and the National Museum among other things. The delegates were granted an audience with HM King Oscar II. The Iwakura Mission concluded in their report that the “previously barbaric and brutal warrior Swedes had now become civilized, brave, and strong”
Credit: Iwakura Mission, London 1872
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1872Meiji era Swedish sea captain
Swedish seaman Johan Wilhelm Ekstrand first came to Japan in the mid-1860s as a mate on a Dutch warship. In 1872, he was contracted by the Japanese government for his experience and skills as a sailor.
By 1885 he was working as a Captain for the Japan Post Shipping company (Nippon Yusen Kaisha, NYK), where he stayed for 30 years. He was the first Commander of two prestigious liners built by NYK for the new American Line in early 1900s. He received high honours from the Meiji Emperor and King Gustav V of Sweden. He passed away in 1912 and is buried in the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery.
Credit: W. J Ekstrand, private family album
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1901Consulate General in Kobe
In 1901, Per Martin Ragnar Ottesen was appointed the first Swedish Consul General in Kobe. He was followed by Ole Skybak (1903-05) and Axel Torsten Uddén (1905-06) before the office became an Honorary Consulate. The current Consul, Mr. Naoya Wada, was appointed in 2002.
Credit: Ole Skybak, Svenskt Porträttarkiv
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1907First Swedish envoy
Gustaf Oscar Wallenberg (1863-1937) was the first Swedish envoy to Japan. In 1907 he submitted his credentials to the Japanese Emperor and remained in the country until 1918. With Wallenberg's assignment, the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo acquired its first physical address in Tsukiji in 1907. During his tenure, Wallenberg promoted Swedish business interests and was able to welcome the first Swedish companies entering Japan.
Note: Ambassador Wallenberg here seen with his grandchild, famous Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg.
Credit: Gustaf O. Wallenberg and Raoul Wallenberg. SFEHF archive. Photo: Florman, 1916
BUSINESS & TRADE
1907Gadelius - the first Swedish company
In 1907, the trading company Gadelius was the first Swedish company to start operations in Japan.
Gadelius went on to stay in Japan through earthquakes and wars, and is still active after 100 years. The business initially focused on steel and iron, but has since then expanded to include business consulting.
Credit: Gadelius Kobe Office, Gadelius
CULTURE & SPORTS
1912Japanese runner goes missing at Stockholm Olympics
Japan's first Olympian, Shizo Kanaguri, went missing during the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Marathon. Weakened by his long journey from Japan and exhausted by the rare summer heat, 21 year-old Kanaguri collapsed midway through the race. Local residents took care of him before he quietly returned to Japan without notifying the officials, who reported him missing. In 1967, he was invited to finish his race on the 55th Anniversary of the Stockholm Olympics. Kanaguri reached the finish line after a record 54 years, 8 months, 6 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes and 20.3 seconds.
Credit: Shizo Kanaguri, 1924
CULTURE & SPORTS
1918Swedish children's literature
The first Swedish children’s book to be translated into Japanese was Nils Holgersson's Wonderful Journey in 1918, written by Nobel Laureate Selma Lagerlöf. The story remains popular today and was adopted into an anime in 1980. Swedish children’s literature has continued to be popular in Japan, most notably Astrid Lindgren's iconic books about Pippi Longstocking (a TV series about Pippi also aired in 1969). Many best-selling authors have followed, among them Elsa Beskow, Ulf Stark and Lena Andersson.
In 1926, HRH Crown Prince Gustav VI Adolf visited Japan. He was a known art collector and travelled to historic sites, shrines and museums in pursuit of antiquities. His collection contributed significantly to the collections of the future Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm that opened in 1963.
Credit: Photo from the Bernadotte Library's archive
DDIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1929Japan-Sweden Society founded
The Japan-Sweden Society was founded in 1929 with the aim of fostering and promoting friendly relations and cultural and commercial advancements. Throughout the years, the society has had many influential patrons, including HIH Prince Chichibu and the current patron, HIH Prince Hitachi.
Note: President Akira Matsui and Mrs Matsui at centre.
Credit: Japan-Sweden Society
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
1949First Japanese Nobel Laureate
Hideki Yukawa was the first Japanese to be awarded a Nobel Prize. In 1949, he was awarded the Prize in Physics for his prediction of the existence of mesons on the basis of theoretical work on nuclear forces. Over the years, more than twenty Japanese nationals have been awarded a Nobel Prize, making Japan the country in Asia with the most Nobel laureates.
Credit: Hideki Yukawa, 1949
BUSINESS & TRADE
1951Commercial flights between Sweden and Japan
The first commercial flight between Sweden and Japan was conducted by the Scandinavian airline operator SAS in 1951, with a total flight time of 55 hours. In 1957, SAS made history by becoming the first airline to fly over the North Pole to Japan, reducing flight time to only 32 hours. SAS was also the first western airline to employ a female pilot (1969).
Credit: Scandinavian Airlines
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1953Japanese Crown Prince in Sweden
Japanese Crown Prince HIH Akihito visited Sweden for the first time in 1953. During his visit to Stockholm, HIH was given a tour of the Museum of Ethnography and the adjacent Japanese teahouse (pictured). The teahouse, Zui-Ki-Tei ('Home of the promising light' or 'Sweden-Japan house') was the first one of its kind outside Japan and was inaugurated in 1935 (reopened in 1990). HIH Crown Prince Akihito travelled to Sweden again in 1985, this time together with HIH Crown Princess Michiko. Among other activities, they spent a day in Uppsala where they visited Uppsala University and botanist Carl Von Linné’s family home.
Credit: Etnografiska museet
BUSINESS & TRADE
1957Swedish ceramics
In 1957, the Swedish porcelain factory Gustavsberg began activities in Japan. Over the years, their designs have enjoyed widespread popularity, much thanks to early Japanese influences. One of the most famous Gustavsberg designers, Stig Lindberg, is known to have designed the wrapping paper for the exclusive department store Seibu in 1959. Until this day, Japan remains Gustavsberg's largest export market, with well-known designers such as Ingegerd Råman and Lisa Larson.
Credit: Kotte & Co.
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1959Embassy building in Tokyo
In the 1930s, the Swedish business community sought a permanent and more prominent location for the Swedish Embassy. Through a sizeable donation, the Swedish government was able to purchase a property with prime location in Ichibei, Roppongi, in 1939. After WWII, Swedish architect Nils Ahrbom was commissioned to build the new building. The new Embassy office, Residence and garden were completed in 1959.
Note: Photo of the Ambassador’s Residence.
Credit: Byggnadsstyrelsen, 1993
BUSINESS & TRADE
1960First Volvo car
The first ever Volvo car to be sold in Japan was the classic P120/P130 series - also known as the Amazon - launched in the 1960s. This model was also the first in the world to use the now-standard three point seat belt, which was invented by Volvo designers. Volvo has continued to enjoy popularity in Japan.
Credit: Volvo Car Japan Co Ltd.
CULTURE & SPORTS
1960NHK Radio in Swedish
In 1960, NHK radio began broadcasting a program exclusively in Swedish. Aired four times a week, the program covered topics on the economy, politics, technology, culture and music. The program was discontinued in 2007.
Credit: NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation
CULTURE & SPORTS
1961Ingmar Bergman and Swedish film
In the early 1960s, renowned filmmaker and director Ingmar Bergman gained widespread recognition in Japan for his films Jungfrukällan (1961) and Smultronstället (1962). Bergman is still highly regarded and his films are regularly screened at cinemas around Japan. Other successful Swedish films have followed. For example, Mitt liv som hund (“My life as a dog”) by Lasse Hallström, premiered in Japan in 1988, remains one of the most successful Swedish films ever in Japan.
Credit: Svenska filministitutet, 1957
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1963First Japanese Foreign Minister to Sweden
The first official visit by a Japanese Foreign Minister to Sweden took place in 1963 by Masayoshi Ohira. The following year, the Swedish Foreign Minister, Torsten Nilsson, visited Japan. Since then, frequent visits by Foreign Ministers have taken place, most recently in 2014, when Foreign Minister Margot Wallström visited Japan for a meeting with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
1966Office of Science and Innovation
First opened in 1966, the Office of
Science and Innovation has worked to strengthen Swedish-Japanese exchanges in the areas of science, research and higher education. Over the years it has operated under different names, and is today part of the main Embassy office in Tokyo.
Credit: Jan-Olof Yxell/imagebank.sweden.se
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
1967First Swedish Language course
The first ever university level Swedish Language course in Japan was offered by Tokai University in 1967. Other Universities followed, including Osaka University's School of Foreign Studies and Kansai Gaidai University. Today, around 140 students every year study Swedish language, including culture, society and history.
Credit: Dept. of Nordic Studies, Tokai University
BUSINESS & TRADE
1970Sweden Center in Tokyo
Sweden Center in Roppongi – an eight-story office building – was built in 1970 and housed several Swedish companies including Ericsson, Kosta Boda and main property owner Hufvudstaden. The building also contained residential flats as well as a Scandinavian food store and a gallery. For many years, the Center served as a meeting point for the Swedish business community in Japan. The property was sold to Mori Building in 1999, as part of the development of the Roppongi Hills area.
Credit: The Embassy of Sweden
CULTURE & SPORTS
1972Swedish gold medal at Sapporo Winter Olympics
The Swedish athlete Sven-Åke Lundbäck won the 15 km Men's Cross Country Skiing at the Sapporo Winter Olympics in 1972. It was Lundbäck's debut in large-scale competitions, and the 24 year-old reached the finish line 32 seconds before his closest competitor. HRH Prince Bertil of Sweden was present in Sapporo to cheer him on.
Note: HRH Prince Bertil (second from left) with organizers and guests.
Credit: Nils Hornmark, private family album
BUSINESS & TRADE
1972Swedish Industrial Advisory Group (SIAG)
In 1972, the Swedish Industrial Advisory Group was formed by Ambassador Gunnar Heckscher with the support of a group of prominent businessmen. The purpose of SIAG was to share insights and analysis regarding the Japanese markets and business structures. SIAG laid the foundation of what today is the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCJ).
Credit: Nils Hornmark, private family album
BUSINESS & TRADE
1972Promoting Swedish Exports
The Swedish Trade Council (today Business Sweden) began activities in Japan in 1972. Since then it has provided Swedish companies in Japan – or those wanting to enter the Japanese market – with support and advice. Japan is one of Sweden’s most important trading partners outside the EU, and the second largest market in Asia after China. Many Swedish companies have been active on the Japanese market for a long time while others have just arrived. Today, there are over 1500 Swedish-related companies active in Japan.
Note: Embassy offices working together to promote trade. From left: Dr Niklas Kviselius, formerly Head of the Science and Innovation Office; Trade Commissioner Cecilia Öberg Leiram; Ambassador Magnus Robach; Thomas Östergren, Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce (SCCJ); Hans Rhodiner, former General Manager of SCCJ.
Credit: The Embassy of Sweden
CULTURE & SPORTS
1980ABBA on tour
In the spring of 1980, the famous Swedish pop group ABBA held their first and only tour in Japan. It was a big success with eleven sold-out concerts, including six at the acclaimed Tokyo Budokan. ABBA’s success in Japan has been followed by new generations of successful Swedish pop musicians.
Credit: AVRO, 1974
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1980Swedish King visits
The first Swedish monarch to pay an official visit to Japan was HM King Carl XVI Gustaf, on a state visit in 1980 together with HM Queen Silvia. HM had visited Japan also in 1970, pictured, then as Crown Prince. Since then, HM has visited Japan nearly twenty times. Royal visits between Sweden and Japan have continued, most recently by HRH Crown Princess Victoria in 2017 (see below).
Credit: Toshiba Science Institute, 1970
CULTURE & SPORTS
1981Vasaloppet in Asahikawa
The oldest and longest cross-country ski race in the world, Vasaloppet of Sweden, inspired organizers in Asahikawa to launch its own Vasaloppet Japan in 1981. Nine years later, in 1990, HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden visited and also participated in the race (pictured). To commemorate the visit, the King’s Trophy is presented each year to the winners of the race. Vasaloppet Asahikawa attracts around 3 000 competitors.
Credit: Organizing Committee of Vasaloppet Japan
CULTURE & SPORTS
1983Swedish Village in Hokkaido
Inspired by the surrounding birch trees and Swedish-looking nature, visiting Swedish banker Arne Callans was one of those who had the idea of building a Swedish Village in Tobetsu, Hokkaido. The decision was finalized in 1979 as a result of the first Hokkaido-Sweden Industrial and Cultural Cooperation meeting. In 1983, Swedish Center Foundation – a Sweden-Japan friendship organization – was formed, and the first residential houses were built that same year. Today the area is known as Sweden Hills and houses over 700 residents. A popular Swedish midsummer is celebrated every year and draws around 3 000 participants (pictured).
Credit: Swedish Center Foundation
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1987Embassy property sold for record sum
In 1987, the Swedish government sold a part of the Embassy property ground to Mori Building Development Co. Ltd. The transaction remains one of the most profitable property sales ever for the Swedish government. The old Embassy building was demolished and a large-scale construction project of the new Embassy building began, still at the same address.
Credit: Byggnadsstyrelsen, 1993
BUSINESS & TRADE
1990Japanese inspired Icehotel
In 1989, Swedish entrepreneur Yngve Bergqvist has a vision to build a hotel entirely made out of ice. He was inspired by Japanese ice sculpting traditions and invited two professional ice sculptors from Japan as instructors. In 1990 the first Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi was built. In recent years, the Art and Design team of the Icehotel have participated in the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
Credit: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1991Swedish Prime Minister visits
The first Swedish Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Japan was Ingvar Carlsson in 1991. Relations with Japan had largely been focused on trade, but PM Carlsson’s visit marked the beginning of a more comprehensive approach. Since then, Swedish Prime Ministers Göran Persson (2004) and Fredrik Reinfeldt (2008) have visited. The first Japanese Prime Minister to visit Sweden on official business was Junichiro Koizumi (2006, pictured meeting with HM King Carl XVI Gustav). PM Shinzo Abe visited in July 2017 (see below).
Credit: Kantei, 2006
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
1991New Embassy building
The current Embassy building stood ready in 1991. The architect, Michael Granit, was inspired by the movement of the sun and the building is designed to never cast a shadow! The building accommodates the various Embassy offices, including the Commercial Office (Business Sweden) and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and industry in Japan (SCCJ), as well as the Ambassador’s Residence and residential apartments. There is also an exhibition hall and an auditorium, regularly used for various gatherings and promotional events.
Credit: Åke E:son Lidman
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
1992European Institute of Japanese Studies
In 1992, the Stockholm School of Economics founded the European Institute of Japanese Studies (EIJS). The Institute carries out Japan-related research and academic activities across Europe. In 1997, a Tokyo office was opened in order to promote East-West exchanges and dialogue.
Credit: European Institute of Japanese Studies
BUSINESS & TRADE
1992Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan
The Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCJ) started in 1991. The Chamber has grown to become a wide business network with over 120 members, working actively to promote Swedish business interests in Japan. The current chairman is Mr Thomas Östergren.
Credit: Nils Hornmark, private album
CULTURE & SPORTS
1994Painter Carl Larsson exhibition
Works by renowned Swedish 19th century painter Carl Larsson were first exhibited in Japan in 1994. The exhibition, titled Carl Larsson: The Painter of Swedish Life, toured across Japan. Larsson often referred to Japan as his 'artistic motherland' and was greatly inspired by Japanese woodblock prints. His painting Midvinterblot (the Midwinter Sacrifice) - often considered his finest piece - was owned by the Japanese businessman Hiroshi Ishizuka between 1987 and 1997.
Credit: Nationalmuseum. Photo: Erik Cornelius
CULTURE & SPORTS
1996Swedish pop music
In 1996, Swedish singer Meja had a breakthrough in Japan with her best-selling pop album Meja. The 1990s saw the success of many Swedish pop artists in Japan, including The Cardigans, Roxette, Robyn and Ace of Base. The Cardigans hit song My Favourite Game was chosen as the theme song of the famous Japanese console game Gran Turismo 2. Swedish pop artists have continued to top the charts in Japan and today’s stars include Swedish House Mafia, Icona Pop and Avicii.
Credit: Rodrigo Rivas Ruiz/imagebank.sweden.se
CULTURE & SPORTS
1999Swedish Style in Tokyo
In 1999, the first Swedish Style in Tokyo was launched. This large-scale promotional event organized by the Embassy aimed at highlighting contemporary Swedish design and lifestyle and became a popular feature during the Tokyo Design Week. In 2001, HRH Crown Princess Victoria and Minister of Trade Leif Pagrotsky attended. Swedish Style has since then been organized multiple times and in different forms, most recently in 2016.
Credit: Swedish Style Tokyo, 1999. Photo: Mikael Jansson
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
1999Science and Technology Agreement
In 1999 Sweden and Japan signed a bilateral Science and Technology Agreement. Since then, several multi-disciplinary research programs have been initiated, exploring topics such as biotechnology and nanoscience. Notably, a collaborative research program on biosciences was founded jointly by the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova), the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Credit: Jan-Olof Yxell/imagebank.sweden.se
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2000Japanese royal visits to Sweden
In 2000, their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Sweden on a state visit. During their stay they visited the Gripsholm Castle and attended a Gagaku performance at the Royal Dramatic Theatre, among other things. Seven years later (2007), their Majesties conducted a second state visit to Sweden on occasion of the 300th anniversary of renowned Swedish botanist Carl Von Linné.
Credit: Claudio Bresciani / TT
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
2001Japanese science promotion in Stockholm
In 2001, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan’s core research funding agency, opened a branch office in Stockholm. It is the only office in Scandinavia, aiming at developing successful relationships between academic researchers in Japan and the Nordic-Baltic countries.
Credit: Japan Society for Promotion of Science
BUSINESS & TRADE
2006Swedish interior design
World-leading home furnishing company IKEA opened its first store in Japan in 2006. Since then, nine additional stores have opened, most recently in Nagakute (2017). Swedish interior design and lifestyle has long been popular in Japan, with established designers such as Carl Malmsten, Bruno Mathsson, Tiogruppen and Nils Strinning (creator of the String shelving system) in the forefront. In recent years, contemporary designer brands including Design House Stockholm, Fine Little Day and Lotta Jansdotter have gained popularity. In 2016, Japanese retailer Muji collaborated with Swedish designers to create a line of everyday home items.
Note: Ambassador Magnus Robach attends the opening ceremony of IKEA in Nagakute October 2017.
Credit: The Embassy of Sweden
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2007Swedish royal visit to Japan
In March 2007, HM King Carl XVI Gustaf and HM Queen Silvia conducted a second state visit to Japan. During their stay, they attended, among other things, the Carl Linneaus exhibition at the National Science Museum in Tokyo and HM the Queen participated in a symposium on dementia care. Their Majesties also travelled to Nagasaki, where they visited the Atomic Bomb museum, Peace Park and Dejima – an area where Carl Linneaus’ apprentice Carl Peter Thunberg stayed between 1775 and 1776.
Credit: The Embassy of Sweden, courtesy of Government of Japan
BUSINESS & TRADE
2007Volvo Group’s acquisition of UD Trucks
In 2007, Volvo Group acquired Japanese truck manufacturer UD Trucks (previously Nissan Diesel). The acquisition made Volvo Group/UD Trucks the largest Swedish investor and employer in Japan.
Credit: UD Trucks
BUSINESS & TRADE
2008Swedish fashion
In 2008, the Swedish fashion retailer H&M; opened its first store in Japan. That year, they launched a successful designer collection in collaboration with Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawabuko. Today, popular Swedish fashion brands are found at major department stores in Japan, including ACNE, Peak Performance, Fjällräven, Haglöfs and Cheap Monday.
Credit: Tove Freiij/imagbank.sweden.se
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
2008Swedish astronaut visits
In 2008, the first Swedish astronaut, Dr Christer Fuglesang, visited Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Accompanied by the Chairman of the Swedish National Space Board, he also paid a visit to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center. Both facilities are located on Tanegashima island, which is the main location for major satellite launches by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).
Credit: Miraikan
CULTURE & SPORTS
2008Swedish crime fiction
In 2008, the late Swedish author Stig Larsson's Millennium trilogy was first published in Japan. The books became immensely popular and sold over 10,000,000 copies. The wave of Swedish crime fiction – dubbed Swedish Noir – has received international attention, including authors like Henning Mankell, Camilla Läckberg and Johan Theorin.
In 2014, the first major exhibition of popular Swedish ceramic artist Lisa Larson was held at the Matsuya Ginza department store in Tokyo. Over 200 works were on display in an event that received much attention. Larson's designs are widely popular in Japan and she has collaborated with Muji and Japan Post, amongst others. A large travelling exhibition of her works was launched in 2017 and will be shown across Japan.
Credit: Tonkachi, 2014
BUSINESS & TRADE
2014Swedish Tourism & Culture Center (STCC) launched
From Northern Lights to fika in Stockholm, Sweden has lots to offer Japanese tourists. In 2014, the Sweden Tourism and Culture Center (STCC) was launched in order to help promote Sweden as an attractive tourist destination. The Center, located at the Embassy, makes active use of social media and runs a website gateway for travel to Sweden.
Credit: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
2015University Presidents' Summit in Tokyo
In 2015, Presidents and Vice Presidents from a total of 22 leading Swedish and Japanese universities met and discussed strategies for strengthened corporation. The meeting was hosted by the Embassy. Previous high-level meetings between Swedish and Japanese University delegations took place in 2005 (in Sweden) and in 2003 (in Japan).
Credit: PhotoLife14
SCIENCE & ACADEMIA
2015Nobel Prize Dialogue Tokyo
In 2015, the first Nobel Prize Dialogue outside of Sweden was held in Tokyo, focusing on the future of genetic science. World-leading scientists, policy makers and seven Nobel Laureates gathered to discuss how advancement in genetics influences science and society. A speaker’s dinner was hosted at the Ambassador’s Residence. The second Nobel Prize Dialogue Tokyo was held in 2017, focusing on the future of intelligence.
Credit: Hiromi Johansson
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2016Honorary Consulate in Fukuoka
The most recent Honorary Consulate to be opened is Fukuoka in 2016, when Mr Kuma Fumio was appointed Honorary Consul. An Honorary Consulate is tasked to give consular support to Swedish citizens and to generally promote the economic and cultural ties between Sweden and Japan in the region.
Credit: Mmry0241, Fukuoka City Hakubutsukan, CC BY-SA 3.0
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2017HRH Crown Princess Victoria visits
In April 2017, HRH Crown Princess Victoria visited Japan on a working visit. As a United Nations advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, the Crown Princess focused on issues relating to sustainability and the oceans. The Crown Princess also met with their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Japan.
Credit: The Embassy of Sweden
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2017Prime Minister Abe in Sweden
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs Akie Abe visited Sweden in July 2017. Prime Minister Abe and the Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven met for political consultations, focusing, among other things, on deeper economic cooperation, innovation, the UN Security Council – of which both Sweden and Japan are members in 2017 – and the upcoming 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Credit: Sören Andersson / Regeringskansliet
DIPLOMATIC & RELATIONS
2018Sweden – Japan 150 years
This year we are celebrating 150 years of friendship between Sweden and Japan. The Anniversary year is celebrated through a range of exciting activities and events – please click here to read more!
