Iceland–Japan relations


Iceland–Japan relations refers to the diplomatic relations between Iceland and Japan. Both nations are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

History

In 1814, Iceland became a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. In 1867, the Kingdom of Denmark and Japan signed a "Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation". Any and all trade relations between Iceland and Japan was carried out by Denmark. In 1944, Iceland became an independent nation. On 8 December 1956, Iceland and Japan established diplomatic relations.
In June 1999, Japanese Prime Minister Keizō Obuchi paid an official visit to Iceland. During his visit, Prime Minister Obuchi announced the opening of a Japanese embassy in Reykjavík. In 2002, both nations opened embassies in their respective capitals. In 2003, the University of Iceland began teaching Japanese as the first university course in Iceland to teach an Asian language and to specialize in Asian culture. In 2005, Iceland approached Japan on a free-trade accord. Each year, both nations obtain negative attention in the fact that they both continue whaling. In 2016, both nations celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations.

High-level visits

Prime Ministerial visits from Iceland to Japan
Prime Ministerial visits from Japan to Iceland

Agreements

Both nations have signed bilateral agreements such as an Agreement on the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance and an Agreement of a Working holiday visa.

Trade

In 2015, trade between Iceland and Japan totaled US$222 million. Icelandic exports to Japan include: fish and steel. Japanese exports to Iceland include: automobiles and electronic equipment. Several well known multinational Japanese companies such as Honda, Sony, Toshiba and Toyota operate in Iceland.

Resident diplomatic missions