Prispevek veleposlanice Yoshide za DELO (29. avgust 2026)

A Valuable Bond Between Japan and Slovenia
 
Since arriving in Slovenia three years ago to assume my post, I have developed a deep respect for the wisdom and quiet strength of this nation as I have learned about its history and its people. Situated at the crossroads of Central Europe and the Balkans and having navigated a complex history, Slovenia has built a stable democracy, an advanced industrial sector, and a mature civil society within a remarkably short period following its independence in 1991.
 
Geographically, Japan and Slovenia are far apart. Yet the two nations stand exceptionally close in their commitment to respecting international law, maintaining stable democratic societies, and shaping the future through science, technology, and human capital. The words that best describe the bond between our two countries are “trust” and “resilience.”
 
Throughout the post-war era, Japan has consistently pursued the path of a peace-loving nation dedicated to peace, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the international community. For decades, Japan has supported infrastructure development, human resource development, and industrial growth in neighboring Asian countries through Official Development Assistance (ODA), helping to promote their growth and stability. Furthermore, Japan has contributed to the foundations of global society through development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping operations, and post-conflict reconstruction around the world. The international community’s trust in Japan’s unwavering commitment to peace is reflected in the fact that Japan has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council more times than any other country.
 
Today, the international environment is undergoing profound changes. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes a direct challenge to a fundamental principle of the international order: that borders must never be changed by force. Standing shoulder to shoulder with European countries, Japan continues to provide steadfast support to Ukraine and to coordinate sanctions against Russia, while working consistently to uphold and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. This is not merely a European issue; it is rooted in the universal principle that international law and the rule of law must be upheld equally in every region of the world.
 
At the same time, in response to changes in the security environment, Japan has revised its National Security Strategy, strengthened its defense capabilities, and deepened cooperation with like-minded partners. As one of NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners (IP4), Japan is advancing cooperation with NATO. In April of this year, permanent representatives to NATO visited Japan to deepen their understanding of the security environment in East Asia and the role of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Moreover, cooperation between Japan and the European Union continues to deepen across a wide range of fields, including economic security and cybersecurity.
 
Against this backdrop of growing Japan-Europe cooperation, Japan and Slovenia have steadily strengthened their relationship as trusted partners sharing universal values such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, despite the geographical distance between them.
 
Today, military affairs, technology, and the economy can no longer be viewed as separate spheres; they have become increasingly interconnected. Economic security has become an integral component of national security, creating an era that demands closer cooperation among trusted partners. In this context, the relationship between Japan and Slovenia holds immense potential.
 
In an age defined by economic security, one of the most valuable assets is not technology alone but mutual trust. In February of this year, the Japan-Slovenia Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation convened to discuss collaboration in key fields such as energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Both countries possess strong educational systems and advanced research and development capabilities, while advanced manufacturing serves as a vital pillar of their economies. The decision by Yaskawa Electric—one of the world’s leading robotics companies—to establish its European manufacturing and distribution hub in Slovenia demonstrates the significant potential for industrial cooperation between our two countries.
 
Looking ahead, the Japan-Slovenia relationship is entering a new phase that extends beyond intergovernmental dialogue to encompass a multifaceted partnership connecting businesses, universities, research institutions, local governments, and future leaders. We are called upon to translate research achievements into joint ventures, transform technological strengths into industrial competitiveness, and foster long-term mutual understanding through people-to-people exchanges. It is my sincere hope that the deepening cooperation between Japan and Slovenia will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of democratic societies across both Europe and the Indo-Pacific that share common values.

(Contributed article in Slovenian)