A New Ally?

For many years, relations between Japan and France were limited mainly to trade, while diplomatically and militarily, the two nations ignored each other. However, since 2015, and particularly after Emmanuel Macron’s state visit on May 26, 2029, relations between the two countries have changed. Tokyo recognizes France’s status as a “Pacific nation,” salutes its military commitment in the region, and hopes for military rapprochement. This dynamic is set to accelerate, given the unpredictability of the United States under Donald Trump’s administration. A friendship between Japan and France could thus become a tangible reality.

FACTS

‍
Since Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Japan on June 26, 2019, official meetings between France and Japan have taken place on a regular basis, each contributing to strengthening ties between the two nations.
On May 9, 2023, the foreign and defense ministers of Japan and France reaffirmed the importance of their “exceptional partnership.” They also highlighted the regular operational exchanges that have been established between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the French Armed Forces.
On June 1, 2024, Defense Minister Kihara emphasized the importance of cooperation with France, the only European Union member state to maintain a permanent military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
On March 14, 2025, following a final meeting accompanied by joint naval exercises, the foreign ministers announced that Japan and France would strengthen their cooperation in support of a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

CHALLENGES

‍
Faced with a United States that has become unpredictable and inward-looking, Japan and the nations of the Asia-Pacific region are turning to France, perceived as one of the region’s key military powers.

OUTLOOK

‍
Until 2015, trade between Japan and France was limited mainly to the flow of IT equipment and automobiles. It was only during François Hollande’s presidency that a symbolic agreement expanded these relations, paving the way for the transfer of military equipment and technology.
Historically, Japan had few partners in diplomacy and defense, relying almost exclusively on the United States. France, for its part, was often overlooked by the Land of the Rising Sun, but this agreement marked a significant turning point.

It wasn’t until Emmanuel Macron’s official visit on May 26, 2019, that a new significant milestone was reached in relations between France and Japan, two “nations of the Indo-Pacific.” This partnership was marked by a shared commitment to concrete cooperation in the region.
It took another four years to reach a major milestone. On May 9, 2023, the foreign and defense ministers of both countries met to commend the regular and high-quality operational exchanges between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the French Armed Forces. These interactions include ship port calls and joint training exercises, both bilateral and multilateral, in the Indo-Pacific region.
Although these exercises are a positive development, they remain, for now, limited to good intentions. Diplomats are still working to establish negotiations regarding reciprocal access between the two militaries, aimed at facilitating the entry of personnel and equipment. The ultimate goal is to promote interoperability between the French Armed Forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Make no mistake, these are still distant prospects. However, the ongoing rapprochement appears to be raising expectations in Tokyo. This is evidenced by the importance attached to the “Brunet-Takamori1” exercise, which took place in September 2024. During this event, personnel from the French Army’s 6th Light Armored Brigade collaborated with the 9th Division of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in a simulated urban guerrilla operation. Japan seeks to leverage, for its Self-Defense Forces, the experience of the French military, which has been significantly engaged in theaters of operation

These are manifestations of a profound transformation in the nature of the relations that Japan and France can maintain, and they require analysis from two perspectives.
Tokyo, which could have chosen to keep the recent military exercises secret, decided to inform the media. The decision was justified by growing tensions in the region. “To significantly strengthen our defense, it is essential to build closer ties with countries that share our vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening our cooperation with France and making this known publicly, both domestically and internationally, helps improve our deterrence,” stated a Japanese official. This move sends a clear message to China, Russia, and North Korea: Tokyo has many allies beyond the United States.

In Paris, officials are pleased with the importance Japan attaches to France’s presence in the region.
- On June 1, 2024, during the 21st Asia Security Forum organized by the IISS* in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Kihara emphasized the growing importance of cooperation with France.
As the “only EU member state with a permanent military presence in the Indo-Pacific region,” France plays a crucial role, according to Kihara, who also welcomed the continued deployment of French assets and troops in this strategic region.
- Paris attaches particular importance to a passage in the joint statement by the four Japanese and Chinese foreign and defense ministers, affirming that France, through its overseas territories, is indeed a nation of the Indo-Pacific region. They share the view that the participation of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the Malala exercise in French Polynesia in May 2022, as well as in the Southern Cross exercise in New Caledonia in April 2023, contributes to stability in the South Pacific. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yasukazu Hamada, Minister of Defense, reaffirmed “the importance of France’s presence in the South Pacific”—including New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna—emphasizing that France is a true Indo-Pacific nation.

France is now recognized as one of the influential nations in the Asia-Pacific region, with its military forces praised and sought after to counterbalance the pressures exerted by China and the threats posed by North Korea. This assessment marks a significant reassessment of France’s presence in this strategic area. Ten years ago, France was, at best, ignored in the regional context. However, looking ahead, it appears that its influence could grow.

A careful analysis of the timeline suggests significant developments. The recent changes observed date back to the final months of 2024, well before Donald Trump took office and his controversial decisions, notably his rapprochement with Russia, the abrupt withdrawal of all aid, and the questioning of trade agreements. These measures risk not only destabilizing the region but also causing concern for Japan and its neighbors. Faced with the unpredictability of the United States, the question arises: can they continue to base their security solely on this partner? Aside from France, who can they really count on?

‍
Edouard Valensi, Asie21

‍

1. From September 8 to 21, 2024, nearly fifty French soldiers were deployed to Japan as part of the Brunet-TakamorI 24 exercise. On this occasion, the French Army’s 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2nd REI) trained alongside the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force’s 39th Infantry Regiment (39th RI) during exercises focused on infantry combat