Recent relations between Japan and Denmark - updating Strategic Partnership

Dear friends,

    It is now less than 8 months before Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mr. Thomas BACH, President of International Olympic Committee visited Japan this month, meeting Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, seeing accommodations for athletes and sports facilities. President BACH stated that the Game in Tokyo will be surely held successfully.

    Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca have brought about a series of good news of development of vaccine for COVID-19. While both Denmark and Japan are making utmost efforts to contain the second and third wave of infections, it is not yet time for complacency. However, we can have an impression that at last we begin to see a ray of light from somewhere.

    I have often talked with my Danish friends and colleagues that both Denmark and Japan need her accompanying runners with whom she can together to restore economy out of COVID-19 challenges and make new rules to be observed by the international community as a whole.　In October, Prime Minister SUGA expressed in his policy speech at the Diet that Japan would realize the decarbonized society by 2050, Agency of Digitalization would be established, and Japan would aim to become one of the international financial centers in Asia and eventually in the world. Japan has started to run, and the words of Prime Minister have been steadfastly implemented. Denmark and Japan recognize each other as precious friends as well as strategic partners. I have discovered many commonalities in terms of diplomatic goals between us despite the geographical distance that exist between two nations.

    Denmark has declared to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases for 70% by 2030, and both the government and private sector have been making utmost efforts. Mitsubishi Heavy Industry Vestas has been one of the most successful business models between Japan and Denmark in its international operation of offshore wind power generators. Now it is said that MHI and Vestas are aiming for Asia Pacific market under a new partnership.

    Denmark is also quite advanced in digitalization, in particular digitalization of government, it is one of the top three countries in the world. Vigorous research, business and discussion for further digitalization is taking place, covering issues such as new financial business using fintech, sufficient protection from cyberattack among others.

    Against such background, on 18 November, the bilateral political consultation was held on video between Mr. UYAMA Hideki, Director General, European Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Mr. Jesper SØRENSEN, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.     They exchanged the views on bilateral relations and international situation. At the moment, both countries are working on updating “Strategic Partnership”, the leaders’ document with a view to drafting an action program. I attended the video conference with H.E. Mr. Peter TAKSØE-JENSEN, Ambassador of Denmark to Japan. I thought that the consultation was a precious opportunity for the responsible officials from both sides to deepen the candid discussion about the status quo and perspective of our bilateral relations.
  ​     Another important collaboration between Japan and Denmark is related to promotion of rule of law in international community, rules making and so on.

    In November, the election of the judges for International Court of Justice in Hague was held and Dr. IWASAWA Yuji, Judge of ICJ was reelected. As the role of ICJ for peaceful settlement of international disputes is growing, Dr. IWASAWA will continue to fulfill a very important responsibility at the court which promote rule of law in international community.

    This month we also saw the commencement of an election process for Secretary-General of the OECD in Paris. Mr. Ulrik KNUDSEN, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD and former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark has announced his candidature. Among many candidates (*not from Japan. Mr. KONO Masamichi is one of three Deputy Secretary-Generals of the OECD), the election process will go into the most important phase. Much attention is paid to the final result of this election of the head of international organization which plays a pivotal role for economic rules making of the world.

    Finally, let me share good news for this autumn, a season of culture. Firstly, Professor Emeritus NAGASHIMA Yoichi, University of Copenhagen received the award of Foreign Minister of Japan for his tremendous contributions to the exchanges between Japan and Denmark for many years. The award ceremony coincided with publication of his new book, “Denmark Bunka Dokuhon (Book on Denmark from cultural perspective)” by Maruzen Publication. I would like to express my sincere congratulations to Professor NAGASHIMA.
​     Another good news was the successful November concert of Danish Radio Big Band in Copenhagen with its Principal Conductor, Ms. HAZAMA Miho arriving back from New York, following the October concert conducted by her after seven months’ intermission. A new piece by Mr. Marius NESET, Saxophone player was announced on that occasion.

    As winter is approaching, it is getting cold day by day. I wish you well. Please stay warm.