The Land of the Rising Sun awaits Emmanuel Macron. The tenant of the Elysée Palace begins a visit to Japan on Tuesday to strengthen Franco-Japanese partnerships in civil nuclear and technological innovation.
The president is scheduled to arrive at 5:30 p.m. in Tokyo (10:30 a.m. Paris time). He will then attend an evening dedicated to Japanese popular culture and meet with Kunihiko Moriguchi, a renowned kimono painter. Economic and political discussions will take place on Wednesday, and the presidential couple will have dinner with Emperor Naruhito and Empress on Thursday.
If this is his fourth trip to the archipelago, it is the first time Emmanuel Macron is visiting Japan solely focused on relations with the country. On Wednesday, he will have his first separate meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, after an informal exchange during the G20 last fall.
Japan before South Korea visit
A Japanese diplomatic official mentioned expectations for continued communication to quickly ease the situation in Iran. The French presidency confirmed that the Middle East crisis would be at the center of discussions before the trip. The leaders will talk about finding common solutions and possible cooperation on a French initiative to form a coalition of “volunteers” concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is crucial for oil imports for both Japan and South Korea, where Emmanuel Macron will visit later on Thursday and Friday.
Emmanuel Macron, who has emphasized his ability to communicate with Donald Trump – even as recent relations seem strained, will have the opportunity to discuss this with Sanae Takaichi. Becoming the first woman to lead Japan in October, Takaichi has presented herself with ultranationalist and conservative views, not hesitating to show affinity with the US President.
AI on the agenda of a meeting
Beyond the geopolitical crisis, the president aims to highlight “the attractiveness of France” during this visit. Accompanied by numerous French business leaders, he will meet with SoftBank and Iwatani executives, major players in AI investments and the Japanese company that invested in the Lyon-based startup Carester.
The two countries also plan to sign a roadmap for civil nuclear cooperation in Japan, strengthening partnerships in space, research, and disruptive technologies. The presence of several French ministers, including Defense and Foreign Affairs, also includes a security component.
