26/11/2025
Norway and Japan: 120 Years of Dialogue, Innovation, and Shared Purpose
As Norway and Japan celebrate 120 years of cooperation, their diplomatic relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership. The ties now span security, green transition, technology, and culture, strengthened not only by governments but also by companies whose work reflects this long-standing cooperation.
This year, Bridges Magazine highlights three Norwegian sectors that have become pillars of this relationship: robotics, maritime trade, and seafood culture.
Norwegian robotics company 1X, a decade after its founding, is entering a pivotal moment. Its humanoid companion, Neo, is moving from labs into homes, a milestone influenced by Japan’s leadership in robotics. Founder and CEO Bernt Børnich credits Japanese roboticists, including ASIMO and early Waseda research, with shaping his understanding of safety, reliability, and human-centered design. Neo’s appearance also reflects Japanese aesthetics, from its knit suit using Shima Seiki technology to design inspirations drawn from Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando, and Naoto Fukasawa. Japan remains central to 1X’s ambitions, both as an early market and as a cultural partner.
In maritime trade, Belships ASA (NS6) has maintained a 40-year partnership with Japan. Under CEO Ivar Hansson Myklebust, the company continues to work closely with Japanese shipbuilders and partners to expand and modernize its fleet. Twelve Ultramax vessels, including new deliveries from Imabari, are part of this ongoing collaboration. Japanese-built vessels offer operational reliability and fuel efficiency, supporting Belships’ continued presence in the dry bulk segment.
The Norwegian Seafood Council marks 40 years since Norwegian salmon first entered Japan’s sushi market. Fresh, never-frozen salmon introduced in 1985 transformed sushi culture and became a trusted staple. In 2024, Norway exported over 24,000 metric tons of fresh Atlantic salmon to Japan, with over 95% consumed raw. Norwegian mackerel has also become a household favorite, with Japan as the largest overseas market, reflecting decades of trust, quality, and shared standards.
From humanoid robots to modern vessels and seafood enjoyed worldwide, Norway and Japan demonstrate how sustained cooperation, innovation, and shared expertise have shaped a century-long partnership.
One hundred twenty years on, the story continues, one vessel, one robot, one dish at a time.
Read the full report: https://sms-bridges.com/norway-jt/
