Japan and Italy are strengthening their partnership around defence, economic security, critical minerals, advanced technology, trade and space cooperation as both countries mark 160 years of diplomatic relations.
Japan and Italy are hoping to forge a more resilient and forward-looking relationship on 160 years of diplomatic ties. The relationship, which was built on the basis of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce signed in 1866, has evolved from the diplomatic and cultural dimension to trade, investment, defence, technology, science and international cooperation.
One of the milestones was the visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in January 2026 in Tokyo, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Meloni decided to raise the bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership. The two leaders called for greater cooperation in the field of security and defence, economic security, critical minerals, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy, science and culture.
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Since then, Defence has become a central theme of the relationship. The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is a joint development project for a next generation fighter between Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom. The programme is a reflection of the increasing technological and security relations between Japan and its European partners.
Economic security is also becoming a priority in response to the current challenges of global supply-chain disruption and competition for strategic resources. In May 2026, Japan and Italy held their first Economic Security Dialogue in Tokyo, where cooperation in areas including semiconductors, critical minerals and high technologies was discussed.
The two economies also have complementary industrial capabilities. Japan has a strong expertise in the field of motor vehicles, electronics, robotics, precision manufacturing and advanced technologies while Italy has developed expertise in the field of machinery, special manufacturing, design, fashion and other industrial sectors.
Technology is a field that is likely to grow as an area of collaboration. Areas of potential joint research, investment and industrial partnerships include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space technology and advanced manufacturing. Space cooperation has already begun to take off, with both governments signing a joint statement and sharing an agreement on cooperation in June.
The partnership continues to focus on trade, investment and business engagement, with the Italy-Japan Business Group as a forum for companies to consider commercial opportunities.
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In addition to economic and security interests, cultural, academic and people-to-people exchanges are also deepened between the two countries. The two countries are also aligning on broader international matters such as the Indo-Pacific, the Ukraine, North Korea, and international rules-based order.
The 160th anniversary has coincided with the evolution of Japan-Italy relations towards the practical cooperation in technology, defence, economic resilience and strategic industries. These efforts could further improve the partnership as a conduit to connect Europe with the Indo-Pacific.