The Japan-Brazil Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was held in Tokyo on May 18 between Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira. Both countries are working to strengthen their relationship under the “Strategic and Global Partnership Action Plan Japan-Brazil (2025-2030).” reflecting a shared belief that the relationship has substantial untapped potential.
With a population of over 200 million and roughly 2 million people of Japanese descent, Brazil has long been an important Latin American partner for Japan, as demonstrated by repeated visits from Japanese leaders and members of the Imperial Family. The relationship, however, has not lived up to its economic and political potential. Trade remains narrowly concentrated: Brazil exports iron ore, chicken, and coffee, while Japan exports automotive parts and machinery. Japan’s share of Brazil’s overall foreign trade has been declining (currently standing at 2 percent). The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), which continues to engage in discussions with the industry in Brazil, has been pushing for an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Mercosur (Southern Common Market) for over a decade, viewing Brazil as a crucial partner in leading regional integration.
