ArgentinaJapan relations

Argentina and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1898 through a Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation. Early interactions included the arrival of Japanese immigrants, with the first known individuals arriving by boat in 1886. Notably, Professor Seizo Itoh, an agricultural expert, came to Argentina in 1910 to improve farming practices.

Relations were further strengthened when Argentina sold Japan the cruiser Nisshin during the Russo-Japanese War. Diplomatic ties were elevated to Embassy level in 1940, but severed in 1944 after Argentina joined the Allied side and declared war on Japan in March 1945.

Diplomatic relations were restored with the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty in 1952. Subsequent decades saw increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Japanese imports to Argentina included foodstuffs and raw materials, while exports focused on machinery and finished products. Bilateral agreements on immigration, commerce, technical cooperation, and cultural exchange were signed between 1963 and 1981.

Culturally, Japanese influences such as anime, video games, food, films, and music have grown in popularity in Argentina. High-level visits have been frequent, including trips by members of Japan's Imperial Family and Argentine presidents to Japan. Today, an estimated 10,000 people of Japanese descent live in Argentina.