Japanese-German Forum

1993–Present

The Japanese-German Forum (formerly the Japanese-German Dialogue Forum) was created in 1993, at the joint initiative of Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, as a private, bilateral dialogue designed to promote mutual cooperation and understanding. The annual meeting convenes around 40 legislators, top government officials, policy thinkers, business executives, and others from both countries for a two-day dialogue on issues related to the bilateral relationship, foreign policy issues, and common challenges arising from socioeconomic and cultural developments in both countries. Following the Group’s annual meetings, a joint statement is drafted for submission to the Japanese prime minister and the chancellor of Germany that documents common challenges facing both countries and outlines recommendations for German-Japanese cooperative action.

JCIE serves as the Japanese secretariat for this program, while the Japanese-German Center Berlin acts as the German secretariat.

PROGRAM NEWS

31st Japanese-German Forum

November 15–17, 2023 | Berlin, Germany

At the 31st Japanese-German Forum, held in Berlin, Germany, Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists discussed key bilateral topics—from global warming, accep…

30th Japanese-German Forum

November 16-18, 2022 | Tokyo, Japan

At the 30th Japanese-German Forum, held in-person for the first time since the beginning of COVID-19, Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists discussed key b…

29th Japanese-German Forum

May 20–21, 2021 | Online

Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists participated in a virtual forum to discuss key issues for Japan, Germany, and their bilateral relationship.

28th Japanese-German Forum

December 4–6, 2019 | Tokyo, Japan

Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists gathered in Tokyo to discuss key issues for Japan, Germany, and their bilateral relationship.

26th Japanese-German Forum

November 15–17, 2017 | Berlin, Germany

At the 26th Japanese-German Forum, more than 40 Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists gathered in Berlin to discuss key issues facing Japan, Germany, and t…

25th Japanese-German Forum

October 19–20, 2016 | Berlin, Germany

On October 18–20, more than 40 Japanese and German politicians, policy experts, business leaders, and journalists gathered in Berlin to discuss key issues facing Japan, Germany, and their bilateral re…

24th Japanese-German Forum

October 27–29, 2015 | Tokyo

The 24th Japanese-German Forum was held on October 27–29, 2015 in Tokyo. Discussions focused on three topics: “Domestic Challenges and Political Response,” “Growth and Well-Being in an Aging Society—P…

23rd Japanese-German Forum

November 5–6, 2014 | Berlin

The 23rd Japanese-German Forum brought together more than three dozen business leaders, policy experts, and politicians. In their Berlin meeting, they discussed the current domestic trends in Germany…

22nd Japanese-German Forum

October 29–30, 2013 | Tokyo

The 22nd Japanese-German Forum was held on October 29–30, 2013, bringing more than three dozen participants together. The discussions focused on three topics: domestic political issues in the context…

21st Japanese-German Forum

November 6–7, 2012 | Berlin

The 21st Japanese-German Forum brought 37 participants from the two countries together in Berlin. The discussions focused on the new agenda and policies in each country in the context of their respect…

20th Japanese-German Forum

October 4–5, 2011 | Tokyo

The 20th Japanese–German Forum was held on October 4–5, 2011, bringing 36 participants from both countries together in Tokyo. During the forum, the participants discussed key issues pertinent to the b…

19th Japanese-German Forum

November 11–13, 2010 | Berlin

The 19th Japanese–German Forum was held on November 11–13, 2010, bringing 34 participants from both countries together in Berlin to discuss current trends within Japan and Germany and possible avenues…

18th Japanese-German Forum

November 4–6, 2009 | Tokyo

In November 2009, the 18th German-Japan Forum brought together representatives from various fields in both countries to discuss the future of Japan-German relations and the common challenges faced by…

17th Japanese-German Forum

November 25–26, 2008 | Berlin

The 17th Japanese-German Forum was held in Berlin on November 25–26, 2008. The thirty-five participants in the forum gathered to discuss political and economic trends within Japan and Germany and oppo…

16th Japanese-German Forum

October 2–3, 2007 | Tokyo

The 16th Japanese-German Forum was held in Tokyo from October 2–3, 2007. Thirty-eight participants gathered to discuss issues including the changing socio-political dynamics in Japan and Germany, East…