Economic Ties: A Growing Partnership
Austria and Japan enjoy a robust economic relationship, with annual trade reaching approximately €3.22 billion. Japan remains one of Austria’s most significant overseas partners and is the second-largest market in Asia after China.
Despite a decline in Austrian exports in 2020 (–5.6%), trade quickly rebounded in 2021 and continued its upward trajectory in 2022. That year, Austria set an export record, sending €1.366 billion worth of goods to Japan—a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, imports from Japan totalled €1.857 billion (+11.8%), leaving Austria with a trade deficit of €491 million.
Machinery products dominate Austria’s exports to Japan, with passenger cars (notably the Mercedes G-class), high-tech machinery, and wood products among the top categories. Interestingly, 80% of Austrian exporters to Japan are SMEs, underlining the importance of smaller companies in international trade. Conversely, Japan’s exports to Austria are led by passenger cars, motorcycles, construction machinery, and laboratory equipment.
Service trade, though initially hit hard by the pandemic, has shown signs of recovery. Austrian exports of services to Japan reached €148 million in 2021, while imports were €96 million. Investment also plays a critical role: Austrian direct investment in Japan totalled €461 million, while Japanese investment in Austria was substantially higher at €3.358 billion.
Future business opportunities lie in sectors such as renewable energy (particularly biomass), automation, agriculture and forestry equipment, pharmaceuticals, laboratory technology, construction materials, and FoodTech. Tokyo, with its innovative business ecosystem, also serves as a gateway for Austrian startups seeking expansion in East Asia.
Currently, around 80 Austrian companies operate in Japan through branches or representative offices, while about 100 Japanese firms are active in Austria.
Cultural Contrasts: Silent Harmony and Assertive Individualism
The bilateral relationship is not only economic but also deeply cultural, with fascinating contrasts shaping interactions.
In Japan, humility, restraint, and harmony underpin social life. Silence itself is regarded as a form of communication, reflecting thoughtfulness and respect. Ceremonies such as the tea ritual illustrate how carefully chosen gestures embody harmony and balance.
Austria, by contrast, values open self-expression and directness. Rooted in centuries of intellectual and artistic tradition—from Mozart to Freud—Austrians often approach dialogue with assertiveness, embracing debate and individuality.
This divergence extends to responsibility. Japan emphasizes collective responsibility through the concept of wa (social harmony), whereas Austria highlights personal responsibility and self-determination. Likewise, views on time differ: Japan’s cyclical and gradual approach contrasts with Austria’s linear, efficiency-driven mindset.
These contrasts—Japan’s silent currents and Austria’s bold streams—offer not barriers but opportunities for deeper mutual understanding.
Historical Foundations of Friendship
The history of Austria–Japan relations stretches back to 1869, when the two nations signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, establishing diplomatic ties. After an interruption during World War II, relations were restored in 1953.
Cultural and diplomatic exchanges have since flourished. A milestone came in 1989, when direct flights between Tokyo and Vienna were introduced, accelerating travel and trade. More recently, the two countries celebrated 150 years of diplomatic relations in 2019, marked by reciprocal high-level visits, including those of Her Imperial Highness Princess Kako to Austria and President Alexander Van der Bellen to Japan.
Another pillar of bilateral relations is the Japan–Austria Committee for Issues of the Future, first established in 1994. This unique public–private forum brings together business leaders, academics, and policymakers from both countries. Meeting every two years, it provides a platform for dialogue on political, economic, and social issues.
Conclusion
Austria and Japan, though geographically distant and culturally distinct, have built a partnership characterized by mutual respect, thriving economic exchange, and vibrant cultural dialogue. Their relationship reflects not only trade and investment but also a deeper appreciation of diversity: Austria’s bold individualism complements Japan’s quiet harmony.
As both nations navigate the challenges of globalization, demographic change, and technological transformation, their enduring friendship and growing cooperation promise to remain a cornerstone of their bilateral engagement well into the future.
References
Austrian Embassy Tokyo . (2025). Bilateral Economic Relations – Austria-Japan. Retrieved from Austrian Embassy Tokyo : https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-tokyo/austria-in-japan/economy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. (2022, May 10). Japan-Austria Relations. Retrieved from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/austria/data.html
Strobl, L. (2025). Silent Currents and Bold Streams: A Cultural Dialogue Between Japan and Austria. Retrieved from Lilian Strobl Blog: https://www.lilianstrobl.com/silent-currents-and-bold-streams-a-cultural-dialogue-between-japan-and-austria/
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