Japan Deepens Relations with South Africa: Focus on Trade, Energy, and Political Unity

• Japan reportedly seeks deeper ties with South Africa following the rising global tensions
• Both countries indicated a focus on trade, energy, and political collaboration for stability
• The two countries signed a memorandum for carbon neutrality and energy transition projects

Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.

Japan is looking to deepen its relationship with South Africa as global tensions rise, with both countries exploring closer cooperation on trade, energy and international stability.

Japan among South Africa's leading trading partners

Japan's Ambassador to South Africa, Shimizu Fumio, said in a radio interview that the bilateral partnership has expanded beyond economic ties to include broader political and strategic alignment. Trade and investment remain central to the relationship. Japan ranks among South Africa's leading trading partners and investors, particularly in the automotive sector, where companies such as Toyota maintain a strong manufacturing presence. The ambassador noted that Japan is South Africa's fifth-largest trading partner and seventh-largest investor, with more than 200,000 vehicles produced locally. Investment also extends to infrastructure, communications and mineral development.

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According to EWN, Fumio said that cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly important in a fragmented global environment. He noted the need for unity and collaboration rather than division. He pointed to Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, introduced in 2016, which promotes democracy, human rights and the rule of law. He said South Africa shares these principles, providing a foundation for deeper engagement. He further described South Africa as an influential player in the global South, highlighting its importance in a shifting global order and the need for collaboration among like-minded countries to uphold international rules amid growing pressure from major powers such as the United States.

Countries signed a memorandum

Energy transition has emerged as a key area of cooperation. The two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation in November 2025 focused on carbon neutrality and a just energy transition, with joint projects underway in sectors including energy and rail, supported by Japanese technology.

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Fumio identified tensions in the Middle East as the most pressing global concern, indicating that Japan is focused on efforts to de-escalate conflict and maintain stability. He referred to recent diplomatic engagements involving the United States and a joint statement with other countries calling on Iran to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that continued collaboration would be critical in the coming months as global uncertainty persists.

SA flagged in US trade probe

Briefly News also reported that South Africa is one of 60 countries that are being looked at as part of a United States of America trade investigation, but Minister Parks Tau doesn’t believe there is reason to worry yet.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) confirmed that the country had been flagged in a sweeping US trade investigation.

Source: Briefly News