160 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Japan: how friendships between the royal families formed the foundation of a solid partnership

In honour of 160 years of diplomatic relations with Japan, numerous events are taking place throughout Belgium, such as a state visit in June and the Flower Carpet in Brussels in August, which depicts Hokusai’s iconic 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. How did this close bond between Belgium and Japan arise?

Several diplomatic anniversaries appear on the calendar every year. For instance, this year, we are celebrating 80 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines, 120 years with Ethiopia, and 125 years with South Korea. These anniversaries provide an opportunity to strengthen ties, particularly through activities and events organised by our embassies.

Noh theatre

The celebration of 160 years of diplomatic relations with Japan has just a bit more flair. And the number of events scheduled in Belgium—including those for the general public—is remarkably high.

For example, a Japanese group took part in the historic Ommegang procession in Brussels. A special musical event was held at Flagey, and in September, Bozar will host a performance of the centuries-old Noh theatre, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Fondation Folon is dedicating an exhibition to the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

And the highlight of it all could very well be the Flower Carpet in Brussels in August, which will depict Katsushika Hokusai's iconic work, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. This is just a taste of the countless events that will be on offer.

This 160^th anniversary is also not going unnoticed in Japan. Anne Theresa De Keersmaeker's dance company went on tour there, and Kokugakuin University hosted an exhibition featuring, among other things, Japanese prints (ukiyo-e) from the collection of the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels. Both events were honoured by a visit from members of the Japanese Imperial Family.

Treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation

Such enthusiasm does not just appear out of nowhere. After all, the two countries have enjoyed close ties for centuries. In December 1865, Auguste t'Kint de Roodenbeke became the very first Belgian diplomat to be posted to Japan. Just a few months later—on 1 August 1866—Japan and Belgium signed a treaty of amity, commerce and navigation.

"There shall be perpetual peace between the King of the Belgians and the Taikun (= Emperor) of Japan," states the first article of the treaty. Fun fact: the Dutch-language version was considered the authentic version. This was because Dutch was the only foreign language used by Japan in the 19^th century. From the 17^th to the early 19^th century, the Netherlands was the only foreign nation that was permitted to trade with the Land of the Rising Sun.

Of the two copies of the treaty, one was lost in a fire in Tokyo. Our FPS has the other copy, which was on display during the exhibition at Kokugakuin University.

Japanese Tower

The Netherlands may have the oldest historical ties, but in Belgium, a remarkably close friendship developed between the two royal families (see box), starting in the 19^th century under Leopold II. This friendship inspired Leopold II to have the Japanese Tower built in Laeken.

Subsequent generations also maintained close ties, including King Baudouin (and Prince Albert) with Emperor Akihito, and currently King Philippe with Emperor Naruhito. Belgian Crown Princess Elisabeth was born in the same year (2001) as Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako Owada.

Honda

The unique ties between the two royal families also fostered good relations between the two countries. In 1962, Honda chose Belgium (Aalst) as the site for its first production facility outside Japan. Daikin established its European headquarters in Ostend in 1972, and Toyota set up its European headquarters in Brussels in 1990.

After the US, Japan is the largest non-EU investor in Belgium. More than 300 Japanese companies operate in Belgium, collectively providing around 35,000 jobs! Japanese investors have also proved to be very loyal. They do not seek immediate profit, but strive for sustainable and harmonious growth.

Japanese investments also generate high added value. And a great deal of attention is devoted to research and development. Consider the research centres of companies such as Toyota and Daikin in Belgium. More than 100 Japanese researchers work at imec, the renowned Leuven-based research centre for microchips and digital innovation.

It is precisely in the field of high-tech applications that Japan and Belgium can contribute significantly to each other’s development: semiconductors, hydrogen, renewable energy, optics, biotechnology, the digital economy, resilience to cyberattacks, etc. The economic mission to Japan in 2022 also focused on the green and digital transition.

And, of course, this also attracts Belgian companies to Japan. Bekaert established a presence there in 1968, followed by UCB and Solvay in 1988. The Port of Antwerp also established a partnership with the Port of Nagoya in the same year. DEME operates in the offshore wind energy sector. In total, there are about 80 Belgian companies operating in Japan.

A Dog of Flanders

Cultural and academic exchanges also occur on a daily basis. There are currently more than 1,000 partnerships between Belgian and Japanese universities.

Moreover, the people of both countries are also clearly fond of one another. In Belgium, we see admiration and even fascination for the Japanese refinement found in simplicity, which is expressed in the beauty of their gardens, architecture, fashion, cuisine, print art, comics, anime, video games, and much more. The Japanese, on the other hand, are drawn to our culture, including the story of 'A Dog of Flanders', which is set in Antwerp.

East-Asian Library

Finally, Japan and Belgium also find common ground as loyal, like-minded allies. In today’s polarised world, with rising tensions, we need partners who share our values: a strong belief in international cooperation, international law, democracy, the rule of law, etc. 

The highlight of the 160^th anniversary had to be the Japanese Imperial Couple's state visit to Belgium in June. After a warm welcome, there were visits to places such as the Castle of Namur, the East-Asian Library at KU Leuven—to which Japan once donated thousands of works-, imec, and the Japanese Tower.

In difficult times marked by shared challenges, such as an ageing population, shifting global power dynamics, the climate crisis, and a faltering economy, we need loyal partners. As King Philippe put it in his speech at the state banquet: "In today's world, it's good to have friends like you on the other side of the planet."