Official visit to Japan
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon began his official visit to Japan on Monday. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen cooperation between Norway and Japan in areas such as security policy, technology, trade and ocean industries.
1 June 2026
The Crown Prince is accompanied by the Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy and the Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, as well as a broad delegation representing Norwegian business and industry.
The visit began at the United Nations University in Tokyo, where the Crown Prince met students and members of staff. He then attended the opening of Arctic Frontiers Abroad, an international forum bringing together researchers, business leaders and decision-makers with an interest in developments in the Arctic.
Long-standing Cooperation in the North
In 2023, Norway and Japan entered into a strategic partnership that highlights, among other things, a shared responsibility to promote cooperation in the Arctic, with particular emphasis on stability and sustainable management.
The partnership builds on decades of joint research in the Arctic and Antarctic. Norwegian and Japanese research communities have long collaborated on polar research, climate studies, ocean management and technological development.
– The Arctic, the global climate and the state of the ocean are closely interlinked. The ocean is our shared life-support system, and it is our shared responsibility. The ocean regulates our climate, feeds us, and supports our livelihoods.
The Crown Prince in his speech at Arctic Frontiers Abroad.
Business and Innovation
As part of the programme, the Crown Prince also visited the Norwegian design brand Norwegian Rain which, through its flagship store in Tokyo, has established a presence in one of the world’s most important markets for design and fashion.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss how Norwegian brands can succeed internationally through long-term relationship-building and a strong understanding of local markets. Norwegian Rain has developed a concept that combines Norwegian design with Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, and serves as an example of how Norway’s creative industries can gain a foothold in Japan.
The visit continues
The official visit will continue in Tokyo over the coming days, with emphasis on business, digitalisation, ocean industries and Norwegian–Japanese cooperation.
Japan is one of Norway’s most important partners in Asia, and the visit is intended to strengthen ties between government authorities, research institutions and the business communities of the two countries.