History of diplomatic relations
Japan recognised the Republic of Estonia de facto on 6 March 1919. On 26 January 1921, the Supreme Council of the Entente, including Japan, recognised the Republic of Estonia de jure. On 8 March 1921, Japan also recognised the Republic of Estonia de jure by a separate act. The Chargé d’affaires ad interim appointed to Riga in 1921 also covered Estonia.
In 1935, the first Honorary Consul of Japan in Tallinn, Voldemar Puhk, began his work. In 1937, the Japanese envoy residing in Riga, Shin Sakuma, was also accredited to Tallinn. In 1939, a Japanese diplomatic office was opened in Tallinn and operated until 29 July 1940.
On 6 September 1991, Japan’s Ambassador with special powers, Hirokazu Arai, presented in Tallinn the official message of the Government of Japan recognising the independence of the Republic of Estonia.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were restored on 10 October 1991, and the Embassy of Japan was opened in Tallinn on 1 January 1993.
The Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Tokyo was opened on 4 March 1996.
Ambassadors of Estonia to Japan
- Andres Unga (2026–...)
- Väino Reinart (2018–2026)
- Jaak Lensment (2014–2018)
- Toivo Tasa (2010–2014)
- Peeter Miller (2006–2010)
- Mark Sinisoo (1998–2000)
Jaapani suursaadikud Eestis
- Yukihiko Matsumura (2021 - ...)
- Hajime Kitaoka (2019 - 2021)
- Yoko Yanagisawa (2016 - 2019)
- Tetsuro Kai (2012 - 2016)
- Hideaki Hoshi (2010 - 2012)
- Hiroshi Maruyama (2009 - 2010)
- Shigeo Kondo (2003 - 2009)
- Norimasa Hasegawa (2001 - 2003)
- Yasuji Ishigaki (1998 - 2001)
- Sumiko Takahara (1995 - 1998)
Bilateral relations
To Estonia
To Japan
- President Kersti Kaljulaid (2021)
- Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (2020)
- President Kersti Kaljulaid (2019)
- Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (2019)
- Minister of Defence Jüri Luik (2018)
- Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Urve Palo (2018)
- Minister of Education Mailis Reps (2017)
- Minister of Rural Affairs Tarmo Tamm (2017)
- Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology Urve Palo (2017)
- Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas (2016)
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- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of Japan on Working Holiday Visas (adopted on 12 November 2019, implemented on 11 March 2020)
- Convention between the Republic of Estonia and Japan for the Elimination of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance (entered into force on 30 August 2018, applied from 1 January 2019)
- The Cooperation Protocol between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and Japan was signed in June 2002, establishing a framework for regular political consultations.
- On 19 December 2000, Estonia and Japan confirmed the legal basis for their future treaty relations, stipulating that only bilateral agreements concluded after 20 August 1991 remain in force.
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of Japan on Mutual Visa Exemption (entered into force on 1 December 1999)
Bilateral treaties between Estonia and Japan can be found in the Riigi Teataja.
Japan is one of Estonia’s most important trading partners in Asia. Strong political relations, numerous high-level visits, and the EU–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and Strategic Partnership Agreement provide a solid foundation for further developing economic cooperation. In recent years, Japan’s interest in cooperation with Estonia has grown particularly in the fields of e-governance and digital services. Estonia’s reputation as a trusted digital society can also be leveraged to promote more traditional sectors, such as the wood-processing and food industries.
More detailed information on trade with Japan is available in the Statistics Estonia application.
In Japan, Estonian culture is best known through choral music and animation. Several Estonian cultural figures have received Japanese honours. Tiia Ester Loitme and Rein Raud have been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun. Arvo Pärt received the Praemium Imperiale from the Japan Art Association, a distinction often regarded as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize in the field of arts and culture.
In May 2004, Estonian sumo wrestler Kaido Höövelson, known by his ring name Baruto, became the first Estonian to join the Nihon Sumo Kyokai (Japan Sumo Association). Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja are also well known in Japan.
Japanese can be studied at several Estonian universities, schools and private language institutes.