Croatian–Japanese relations

Croatia	Japan

Croatia and Japan maintain diplomatic relations through mutual embassies.

History

The two countries established diplomatic relations with each other on March 5, 1993. The embassy of Croatia in Tokyo was founded in September 1993 while the Japanese embassy in Zagreb was founded in February 1998.^[1]

During World War II, the Empire of Japan maintained an embassy in Zagreb and recognized the Independent State of Croatia, which was a puppet government of Nazi Germany; they were all part of the Axis powers.^[2]

Military ties

Croatia officially joined NATO on April 1, 2009.^[3] Since the accession to the military alliance, Croatia and Japan share the same ally, the United States.^[4]

A training ship of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JDS Kashima visited to Split, the second-largest city in Croatia for celebrating 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries in September 2013.^[5] This is the first visit ever to Croatia by a Japanese naval vessel.^[6] A party for fellowship which includes joint performance by JMSDF Band and Croatian Navy Band was held aboard Kashima anchored in a port of Split, and Former Croatian President Stjepan Mesić, Japanese Ambassador Masaru Tsuji, JMSDF Rear Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa, dozens of militaries of both navies and general citizens were attended.^[7]

Sister cities

• Rijeka – Kawasaki (Since June 23, 1977^[8])
• Zagreb – Kyoto (Since October 22, 1981^[9])
• Pula – Hekinan (Since April 5, 2007^[10])

Resident diplomatic missions

• Croatia has an embassy in Tokyo.
• Japan has an embassy in Zagreb.

• 
  Embassy of Croatia in Tokyo
• 
  Embassy of Japan in Zagreb