THE WORLD, EXPLAINED.

Japan and Germany issue cooperation declarations after Tokyo summit

The leaders publish statements on advanced technology and economic security.

By Ayal · October 28, 2026

Tokyo Tower and the surrounding Minato district in December 2025. Archival city context; not a photograph of the October 28 Japan–Germany meeting. David Kernan — CC BY 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tokyo_Tower,_Minato_City.jpg License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 Provider-sized copy; no content edits. Display may crop to fit cards.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Tokyo on October 28, Japan’s foreign ministry said. The leaders held a summit, spoke to the press and met representatives of their countries’ business communities.

The ministry listed a joint leaders’ statement and separate declarations covering advanced technology and economic security. The documents set out areas for cooperation; their publication should be distinguished from completed investment projects or implementation of every commitment.