Welcome to the webpage of the Embassy of the Republic of Malta to Japan.

Located as they are in two different continents and over 10,000 kilometres apart, Malta and Japan bear several notable commonalties which include the national hues, both countries being islands and maritime nations, as well as the democratic credentials like respect for freedom, rule of law, democracy and human rights.

Formal diplomatic relations with Japan were established in 1965, yet historical connections go back to 1862, when a Japanese diplomatic mission visited Malta on its way to Europe in what was perceived as a diplomatic and trade overture towards the Western world. In World War I, Japan had a maritime squadron stationed in Malta in defence of Allied convoys. Crown Prince Hirohito also visited Malta in 1921 and planted a cherry blossom tree at San Anton gardens to symbolize the friendship between our two nations.

After 55 years of friendly bilateral relations, Malta is now opening a Diplomatic Mission in Japan with a Resident Ambassador. This is the result of a culmination of an increased intensification of both political and economic relations achieved during these last years. Of note is the official visit of the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, on May 27, 2017, the first of its kind by a Japanese prime minister. This was reciprocated by an official visit to Japan by the then Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, accompanied by a sizeable trade delegation from July 30 to August 2, 2018. The formation of a joint Parliamentary Friendship Group in both countries was a significant development in nurturing closer relations and, more recently, the visit to Tokyo of the President of the Republic of Malta, H.E Dr. George W. Vella in October 2019 on the occasion of the Enthronement Ceremony of His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, signified the deep mutual respect the two countries currently hold.

At a horizontal level, the economic relations between Malta and Japan are also going from strength to strength. Japan is one of the largest export markets for Malta mainly thanks to tuna exportation and an important trading partner in technology, automobiles and parts. Tourism and English language learning are also two important sectors registering substantial increases in Malta. Japanese visitors are welcomed with open arms to Malta as they complement the tourist diversification market in a cross-cultural dimension. On a similar footing, Maltese travellers are increasing including Japan in their visits to the great Orient during these last years.

The Embassy shall be a permanent point of reference to both Maltese residents in Japan and Maltese travellers to Japan while providing with consular assistance while sojourning in Japan. Without doubt, the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the World EXPO 2025 in Osaka shall project Japan as a popular travel destination to Maltese visitors as well.

As Malta’s diplomatic representative in Tokyo, I am confident this Mission shall further assist with a deeper understanding of multi-faceted relations between the two countries. Please do not hesitate to contact the Embassy should you wish to obtain more information and assistance.

Tokyo, September 15, 2020
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Malta to Japan
André Spiteri