From Introduction:

In 2021, Germany and Japan will commemorate 160 years of official diplomatic relations. In January 1861, Prussia as the dominant German state before unification and the German Empire, and Japan signed a contract, to foster trade and amity (“Handels- und Freundschaftsvertrag”). Although this first contract put the two sides on rather unequal terms, the relations between the two countries are generally characterized as “ties of friendship” (Embassy of Japan 2019) or a “close and trustful friendship” (Bundeskanzleramt 2019).

In 2011, the two countries had celebrated the 150^th anniversary of that first contract. However, the year 2011 was overshadowed by the terrible Earthquake that hit Northeastern Japan on March 11, the following deadly Tsunami and the nuclear disaster at Fukushima. In the aftermath, many events had to be rescheduled or changed, especially those held in Japan. Still, at the same time, many activities – which were initiated by the civil society, companies and others – were demonstrations of empathy, friendship and support. The political highlights gave the same message: the visits of then His Excellence Crown Prince Naruhito in Berlin and, then, of then Federal President Christian Wulff later that year in Japan.

Now, ten years later, the two governments agreed to commemorate another decade of friendship between the countries. What is behind these commemorations? Why are these anniversaries important? What is the purpose of such political anniversaries? And, what is their impact? Or rather, what might be the expectations? Also, what can they possibly tell us about the state and the prospect of bilateral relations?

In the following, I will introduce a few thoughts about possible intentions, interests and strategies behind those campaigns and the possible outcome, in general, and within the context of the Japanese-German relations, in particular. Applying different perspectives, as well as based on some observations, I will map out a few propositions about this specific relationship – and thereby about the coming commemorations. The aim is not to introduce “the one explanation” or to advocate a particular strategy, but rather to invite to change perspectives in order to catch more facets. This will allow a better understanding of the decisions that the organizers will make regarding both the focus and concept of the 160-year event. In any case, the remarks are completely derived from personal experience and opinions.