King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden visited Japan on an official visit 22–25 April 2018, to celebrate 150 years of relations between Japan and Sweden. They were accompanied by one of the strongest Swedish business delegations ever to visit Japan, made up of representatives from both large companies and start-ups.

Their Royal Majesties were entertained by their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress during the visit and also had the opportunity to meet Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. At the final day of the visit, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a dinner in Their Majesties honor.

In a main event, the Japan-Sweden Business Summit, corporate executives from both countries debated how to stay competitive in a disruptive era and how to forge a truly innovative society. The event, held at Roppongi Academy Hills, was attended by more than 250 executives.

The Swedish Government was represented by Mr Ibrahim Baylan, Minister for Policy Coordination and Energy, and Ms Ann Linde, Minister for European Affairs and Trade. They met counterparts in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, METI and MLIT.

Minister Baylan highlighted cooperation projects both in the area of energy storage and the development of transports. - Japan and Sweden share challenges as well as possibilities. By working together in policy, research and commercial development we can help each other transition to a sustainable future, he said.

Minister Linde gave a speech at the Japan-Sweden Business Summit and pointed out the great possibilities of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, both for trade and investments. - This Official Visit shows the determination of Swedish and Japanese industry to pursue stronger links between Sweden and Japan, for growth and Jobs in our countries" she concluded.

The King and the Queen attended events and study projects related to the ageing society and the combat against violent abuse of children. They were also briefed about the preparations for the 2020 Olympics, with special focus on sustainability and accessibility.

During the visit both sides welcomed

• An agreement in principle on an Agreement on Social Security, coordinating the pensions schemes for persons moving between both countries;
• An agreement in principle on a Working Holiday agreement, enabling young people to combine travel and work in the other country;
• New scholarship and grant programs launched on the occasion of the Anniversary year. Among these a Commemorative Scholarship Fund for studies and internships initiated by the Sweden-Japan Foundation and supported by the government. The Swedish Institute made a contribution to Osaka University’s Faculty of Scandinavian Languages for students to travel to Sweden.