Japan–Serbia relations

Japan and Serbia were first established in 1882, when Serbia was a kingdom.^[1]

History

In the late 19th century, Japan had emerged from a small, weak island state to the Empire, while Serbia gained independence from the Ottoman Empire and established the Kingdom of Serbia. Through Russia, Serbia had started to set up relations with Japan. However, before 1914, both countries did not have any official relations.

At World War I, after the Serbian resistance regarding the Austro-Hungarian Army invading Serbia, Japan announced war on the Central Powers in late 1914. From here, Japan began to send aid, materials and supplies to Serbia through the Mediterranean Sea and Russia, growing the relationship between the two countries. Japan also opposed what they called "brutal occupation" by the Austrians and Bulgarians after they invaded Serbia in 1915. After then, Japan focused their actions mainly in Asia.

However, in World War II, Serbia now became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Japan had supported Germany and its ally, making the relationship between the two drop to the lowest point in its history. Yugoslav officials in Japan were expelled out of Japan, as Japan was a part of the Axis. From there, the struggling relations between Japan and Serbia started, with much hostility between both.

Josip Broz Tito assumed power after the collapse of the Kingdom and quickly restored back relations with Japan, which was now crumbling. Tito was seen as friendly and good with Japan, as Tito, unlike other Communist leaders, did not side with anyone at that time. Japan and Yugoslavia signed their first treaty of friendship in the late 1950s, and their relations until the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991 were spectacular.

Despite having a long and quality relations with Serbia, Japan, however, also had supported the independence of the disputed territory of Kosovo.

Economic relations

Japan is considered one of Serbia's most important trading partners in Asia.^[2] Trade between two countries amounted to $307 million in 2023 with Japanese merchandise exports to Serbia standing at almost $224 million while Serbian exports stood at $82 million.

Japanese companies invested half billion euros in Serbia in the last decade.^[3] Japanese corporations making investments in Serbia include Nidec (automotive parts factory in Novi Sad), Japan Tobacco International (tobacco factory in Senta), Toyo Tires (tire factory in Inđija), and Yazaki (automotive parts factory in Šabac).