Japan–New Zealand relations

Japan–New Zealand relations are the bilateral diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. Both countries grew from initial military engagement to extensive economic cultural, and diplomatic ties, with Japan becoming a major trading partner and New Zealand experiencing increased tourism and cultural exchange from 1960s onwards. Early interactions were sharped by New Zealand's involvement in a post-war occupation (J Force) and its subsequent economic relationship with a rising Japan. Later, New Zealand evolving into a stable partnership with Japan, characterized by cultural and social exchanges, established societies, and sister city relationships.

Both relationships are generally warm and have since continued to grow strong over the years. Both nations are being considerably close, substantial, and driven by mutual interests, with both nations having a close ties with Western world including Australia. Japan is one of major economic partners with New Zealand, for example: It is New Zealand's "major trading partner and an increasingly important source of capital investment". In recent times, both relations have expanded beyond strong economic and commercial links to other spheres, including culture, tourism, defense, and scientific cooperation.

Tensions were high in the early stage of relationship between Japan and New Zealand, such as the Great Depression of 1930s and Asia-Pacific War in World War II (1941–45). After the war, New Zealand participated in a post-war occupation of Japan through J Force, a contingent of soldiers overseeing the repatriation of Japanese citizens. Seven years later, they formally founded a diplomatic relations in 1952. Following the war, New Zealand's economic partnership with Japan transformed from a modest exchange of wool to Japan becoming a key trading partner by early 1960s. This period marked a significant development in New Zealand's non-Anglo-Saxon economic relationships. In 1958, Japan signed a trade treaty with New Zealand as a part of its global resumption of normal trading relations. The post-war period oversaw the arrival of Japanese wives of New Zealand serviceman, though they initially faced challenges with residency and cultural assimilation. From 1960s through 1980s to onwards, the rapid growth of a mature relationship has been eventually stabilized, which leading to a more balanced and enduring connection between the two countries.

In cultural and social connections, from 1960s to onwards, cultural exchanges increased through initiatives like 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and New Zealand's Expo '70 in Osaka, fostering a growing connection between the both nations. The establishment of Japan–New Zealand societies, sister city relationships, and the presence of Japanese businesses, brands, and tourists in New Zealand, which deepened these connections. 1960s saw the introduction of Japanese language courses in New Zealand schools, universities, and colleges, and aspects of Japanese culture, such as ikebana (flower arrangement) and with pottery and porcelain, gained popularity.

Japan's perceived economic domination during the early 1980s and 1990s. However, New Zealand government and business leaders see Japanese politics and lawmakers as a vital export market and an essential element in New Zealand's future growth and prosperity in Asia-Pacific region. Japan, for its part, regards New Zealand as an important partner, a reliable source of energy, minerals and other primary products, a popular tourist destination, a useful conduit to the West, and the only other middle-ranking economic power in Asia-Pacific and around the world. Both countries acknowledge each other as key strategic partners within both members of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, with both being prosperous liberal democracies and key allies with the United States of America, Mexico, Canada, Australia, and among other nations. Both nations began formal negotiations for an information security agreement, which would be facilitate sharing more classified information. Then-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern described Japan as a "key partner" in the region; for his part, then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described the relationship as the linchpin of security in the Indo-Pacific.

New Zealand maintains an embassy in Tokyo. Japan maintains an embassy in Wellington, and a consulate-general in Auckland.