Italy–Japan relations

Italy–Japan relations are the bilateral relations between Italy and Japan.

Bilateral relations between Japan and Italy formally began on 25 August 1866, but the first contacts between the two countries date back at least to the 16th century, when the first Japanese mission to Europe arrived in Rome in 1585 led by Itō Mancio.

In the 19th century, Italy and Japan saw great changes in their political and social structure, with the former gaining national unity in 1861 and the latter entering, from 1868, into a process of profound modernization along Western lines that took the name of the Meiji Restoration. In this same period, relations became increasingly close, culminating in the participation of the two countries as members of the Axis in both World Wars.

Italy has an embassy in Tokyo and a consulate-general in Osaka. Japan has an embassy in Rome and a consulate-general in Milan.