Foreign relations exist between Japan and Liechtenstein. Both countries established diplomatic relations in June 1996.[3] Since then, the relations between the two countries have been stable.
Japan does not have an embassy in Liechtenstein, but there is a honorary consulate located in Schaan. The Japanese ambassador to Switzerland, located in Bern, is also accredited to Liechtenstein. Similarly, the Swiss embassy in Tokyo also represents Liechtenstein.
Economic cooperation between the two countries go back to 1887 with the starting of engineering missions from Liechtenstein to Japan. Vaduz-born engineer Hermann Kessler would contribute to the building of the first hydroelectric power plant in Japan, Keage power plant [ja], in 1890.[4]
Following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, Liechtenstein, in accordance with Switzerland, imposed food import restrictions on Japan in fear of radioactive contamination. These restrictions were lifted in August 2023 following a corresponding lifting by the European Union.[5][6]
The two countries signed a tax treaty on 5 July 2012, intended to prevent tax evasion in their respective countries.[7] Since 2017, Donat Marxer has been the Honorary Consul of Japan in Liechtenstein.[8]
High level visits and diplomatic meetings
In 1984, Prince Naruhito visited Liechtenstein. This was the first time a Japanese royal had visited the country.[3]
