Germany rediscovers Japan : a new foreign policy on Japan under chancellor Scholz

Abstract

Germany’s policy on Japan has changed significantly under Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The importance of Japan was enshrined in the manifesto of the three-party coalition and it has manifested in increased visits by dignitaries and political exchanges. Further increasing the importance of Japan are Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the military rise of China in Asia. Germany has rediscovered Japan as a key wertepartner (values partner) in Asia. This paper analyses changes in German policy on Japan from the Merkel era to the Scholz era and future policy challenges.