A landmark event underscoring the evolving partnership between Türkiye and Japan was recently held at the Türkiye Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Organized by the Presidency of Communications of Türkiye, the panel titled “Türkiye–Japan Relations in the 101st Year” brought together diplomats, academics, journalists, and civil society figures from both nations, reaffirming a friendship rooted in history and blossoming in modern diplomacy, culture, and strategic vision.
This high-profile gathering served not only as a platform for reflection on the past century but also as a bridge to the future, shedding light on how Türkiye and Japan can expand their cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Distinguished Panel Explores Bilateral Relations from Multiple Dimensions
The panel was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kılıç Buğra Kanat, a member of the Turkish Presidential Security and Foreign Policy Board and the Washington Director of the SETA Foundation. Among the keynote speakers were former Japanese ambassadors to Türkiye Nobuaki Tanaka and Yutaka Yokoi, as well as Toyo University Professor Nobuo Misawa.
Together, the speakers explored the depth and trajectory of Türkiye–Japan relations, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation not only in political and economic spheres but also across sectors such as culture, education, tourism, technology, and civil diplomacy.
Nobuaki Tanaka Highlights Türkiye’s Geopolitical Influence
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nobuaki Tanaka highlighted Türkiye’s rising geopolitical stature. He drew attention to Türkiye’s multi-vector foreign policy, noting its strategic ties with NATO, ongoing EU negotiations, and diplomatic initiatives with powers like China, Russia, and Middle Eastern nations.
Tanaka also shared insights from his tenure during 2010 Japan Year in Türkiye, a cultural milestone marked by over 200 events that significantly raised Japanese public interest in Türkiye. He noted that during this period, Japanese direct investment in Türkiye reached impressive levels, signaling deepening economic ties that went beyond symbolic engagement.
Cultural Bridges Through Innovation and Personal Connection
Prof. Dr. Nobuo Misawa of Toyo University emphasized the importance of personal and cultural exchange in reinforcing political and economic cooperation. He advocated for deeper people-to-people interaction, suggesting that the future of Türkiye–Japan relations depends not only on governments but also on academic, artistic, and technological collaborations.
Referring to the potential of EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Misawa described the fair as a living space where future cultural bridges are being constructed. He argued that Türkiye’s presence in the expo offers a chance to showcase its rich heritage and dynamic innovations, fostering cultural empathy between the two nations.
Yutaka Yokoi Reflects on Leadership and Global Challenges
Former Ambassador Yutaka Yokoi added a personal touch to the discussion by sharing observations from his diplomatic career in Türkiye. He highlighted the genuine friendship between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which he witnessed firsthand. This relationship, he noted, laid the groundwork for closer cooperation in global forums and during events such as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Yokoi also addressed modern geopolitical challenges, such as the war in Ukraine and broader regional instability, stressing the importance of Türkiye and Japan acting in concert on international crises. He pointed to shared values and complementary diplomatic styles as reasons the two nations can play constructive roles on the global stage.
From the Ertuğrul Tragedy to 21st-Century Partnership
Closing the event was a short but poignant video reminding attendees of the historical roots of the Türkiye–Japan friendship. The film revisited the tragic voyage of the Ertuğrul Frigate, which sank off the coast of Japan in 1890 after a goodwill mission. Despite the sorrow, the incident sparked an enduring bond between the peoples of both nations.
This human and emotional foundation has since evolved into a robust partnership that today spans diplomacy, trade, technology, and education. The message of the video was clear: The roots of this friendship are not transactional but built on mutual respect and solidarity.
Looking Ahead with Cultural and Strategic Intent
The panel in Osaka is just one element of Türkiye’s broader engagement with Japan as both nations look toward the next century of cooperation. Türkiye’s proactive participation in EXPO 2025 reflects its desire to contribute to global innovation, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue, all themes that resonate strongly with Japan’s vision for the future.
The event also demonstrated Türkiye’s commitment to public diplomacy — a strategy that blends government policy with soft power tools like cultural showcases, academic partnerships, and people-focused initiatives. For Japan, it was a reaffirmation of Türkiye’s relevance in Asia and globally.
As both nations continue to navigate an era of rapid change, their ability to combine strategic pragmatism with cultural empathy may well serve as a model for bilateral relations in the 21st century.
