Relations has been established since 2 April 1984.[1] Brunei and Japan had a long close and friendly ties especially in economic with Brunei heavily relies on Japan for imports such as motor vehicles, construction equipment, electronic goods and household appliances which dominate the Bruneian market.[2]
Relations between Brunei Royal Family and Japan Imperial Family
The relations between both royal families continue in touch. The Sultan of Brunei attended the funeral of Emperor Hirohito in 1989.[3] A year later, the Sultan attended the coronation of Emperor Akihito on 12 November 1990.[3]
On 5 October 2017, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Sultan of Brunei to the throne, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko signed the congratulatory book to convey their warmest congratulations to the Sultan. The signing took place at the Brunei Embassy in Tokyo.[5]
Economic relations
Several agreements such as the Japan–Brunei Economic Partnership and avoidance of tax has been signed.[1][6][7] In oil and gas industry, over 82% Bruneian liquefied natural gas (LNG) were sold to Japan and Brunei provides over 5 million tons of the LNG per year to three Japanese utilities.[2] Japanese companies have been active in investing in Brunei and were planning on new projects in other areas such as on petrochemicals and halal food.[8] Both countries also seek co-operation in the field of renewable energy and in energy saving,[8][9] and keen to expand relations in education, agriculture and health.[10]
Security relations
On security, the Japanese Prime MinisterShinzō Abe said that Japan would exert every effort toward the success of multilateral exercises under the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus which were held in Brunei on 2013.[11] Both Brunei and Japan confirmed that they would continue strengthening cooperative relations in the fields of disaster relief and maritime security.[11][12]