Ihre Exzellenz, Botschafterin Shino, nahm am 9. März an der Deutsch-Japanischen Industriekonferenz in Düsseldorf teil. Diese Konferenz fand anlässlich eines Treffens zahlreicher deutscher Unternehmen statt, die bereits Erfahrung in der zum Teil engen, zum Teil über viele Länder weitgefächerten Zusammenarbeit mit japanischen Unternehmen aus der entsprechenden Branche haben, mit ebenso zahlreichen Vertretern japanischer Unternehmen. Es ergab sich durch den ganzen Tag ein reger, viele neue Gedanken und Vorstellungen anregender Gedanken- und Erfahrungsaustausch. Und das so entstehende Gefühl des „Da ist was los! Und es kann noch mehr werden!“ – war ein Gefühl, das gestärkt wurde durch Beobachtungen, die Ihre Exzellenz Frau Botschafterin Mitsuko Shino zum Vortrag brachte, und die wiederum uns, die Zuhörer in vieler Hinsicht zum Nachdenken brachte. Der VDJG möchte Ihnen diesen Vortrag (wenngleich in englischer Sprache) nicht vorenthalten.
Mit vielen Grüßen
Ihr Volker Stanzel
Eröffnungsvortrag Ihrer Exzellenz, Botschafterin Mitsuko Shinos: Shaping Resilience: Japan-Germany Industrial Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty
in Düsseldorf on 9 March 2026
“Who would have thought five years ago that we would be discussing rearmament here in Berlin?” This was said at the Parliamentary evening last week. Now, who could have imagined that Japan and Germany, of all countries, would end up discussing defense industry cooperation right here in Düsseldorf? We inevitably must become aware of this “Zeitenwende”, this historical turning point, in our times.
What does this turning point mean? First of all, it signifies a change in mindset: the era in which we were protected by others is over. We must think independently about our own security. Under the new government of Chancellor Merz, Germany has undergone a significant shift in foreign and security policy. For Japan, who has been often lamented for the size of its national debt, the easing of the debt brake in Germany was a significant signal of this change.
Moreover, an important decision was made to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2029 -well ahead of NATO targets. By 2035, 1.5% of GDP is also to be allocated for defense-related expenditures including infrastructure investments. Now, rapid implementation of
these measures is required. In addition, the development of a defense-strategic plan at the European level is necessary. The discussion of air defense systems at the European level—including drones, satellite surveillance, and missile defense—should also be held here with you.
The second turning point concerns changes in the methods of warfare. Obvious changes include attacks and defenses carried out by drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles. Recently,
criticism has been raised that Germany’s defense budget is still too heavily focused on conventional weapons. Equally, there are invisible attacks such as cyberattacks, sabotage,
and the spread of mis-and dis-information, which penetrate deeply into public consciousness.
To address these challenges, civil defense, or “Zivile Verteidigung” becomes an important task. We need secure communication networks and data centers, investments in start-up companies, and the promotion and use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. We no longer live in a time when only uniformed soldiers fight.
The third turning point is the so-called “weaponizing of economy” that is, economic coercion. Arbitrary trade measures and economic pressure through control of essential raw materials by some states disrupt global supply chains and endanger stable economic development
worldwide. This does not affect only one country’s economy. In today’s globalized world, a weakness anywhere in the supply chain—for example, vulnerability only one component of products manufactured in Germany—can bring the entire economy to a halt.
Are we, in view of this profound turning point, simply at the mercy of circumstances? No, we are not. There is a lesson from Japanese warlords: the three arrows. One arrow breaks easily, but three arrows bundled together hold firm. This means that solidarity among like-minded countries is essential. In particular, close cooperation between Japan and Germany, which share common values and similar industrial structures, provides the resilience to remain self-determined even in times of change.
What should Japan and Germany do concretely? First, it is necessary to maintain the ability to continue supporting Ukraine. The German Federal Intelligence Service has warned that Russia is allegedly ready to engage in a direct military conflict with NATO by 2029. Today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s Europe, and the day after tomorrow, Asia and the world. This winter, Japan has already provided 137 generators and, with additional financial contributions of approximately 6 billion US dollars, has provided total support of around 20 billion US dollars—the largest sum from any non-NATO country. Furthermore, cooperation between Japan and Germany, including industries of both countries, will further expand the possibilities for supporting Ukraine.
Second, preparation within Germany is essential. This concerns not only the direct support of Ukraine, but also indirect assistance. If it becomes necessary for stability and reconstruction of Ukraine to transport large quantities of goods from Western Europe to Eastern Europe, most of
these goods will pass through Germany. Even regarding infrastructure investments within Germany, it is indispensable to ensure high-quality investments to strengthen Germany’s role as a transportation hub and logistical center of Europe, so called “Drehscheibe Deutschland“. Japan possesses technologies that allow rapid and efficient responses to challenges of Germany
such as the renovation of old bridges or roads, the construction of barracks for reinforced armed forces. As we Japanese have been developing the infrastructure resilient to natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes and tsunamis and facing the need of swift setup of emergency shelters for disaster victims.
Third, strengthening the resilience of supply chains is the focus. In view of economic coercion measures, Japan has already taken extensive steps to ensure economic security. This goes beyond the buzzword “de-risking”; Japan can point to concrete successes in reducing dependency on China. These experiences can be shared with Germany and Europe. This not only strengthens Europe but also the world as a whole, as diversification of supply chains leads to greater resilience. That is the reason why I am not comfortable hearing the words “Buy European”.
A chair with four legs remains stable even if one is damaged. Similarly, it is essential that like-minded countries worldwide work together to build diverse and resilient supply chains. The strength of Germany and Europe is impressive. Yet, in view of the many international challenges, it is necessary to act quickly and on an unprecedented scale to create a truly
“resilient society.” Japan sees itself as a reliable partner in this process. We, Embassy of Japan in Germany will continue to place the highest priority on this cooperation. Last November, a roundtable of the defense industry was held in Berlin, bringing together 17 companies, including many from Japan, for lively discussions. In February of this year, a delegation from Japan, including start-ups, traveled to the Nordic countries. Originally, an event in Germany
was planned at the end of the trip, but it had to be canceled due to bad weather—the script says. But in fact, because of the vulnerability of Berlin Airport. Many participants expressed regret, saying that this would not have happened at other airports. Now, a better season begins without such concerns, and new opportunities for cooperation are being discussed.
To the companies struggling in Europe at this turning point: “Those who fail to prepare, shall prepare to fail.” The German federal government has provided substantial financial resources and begun preparations. But money alone is not enough. To enable “quick and effective investments in the truly necessary areas,” the initiative and energy of private companies, as well as the support of state and local governments, are essential.
This seminar is only the beginning. With your participation, we aim to create something together. I ask you not to limit yourselves in the discussion sessions to the contributions of
the speakers, but to actively share your own perspectives. A second seminar is already under consideration. In these turbulent times, Germany and Japan must not be mere observers; they must strive to achieve the maximum of what they can do to shape new developments.
“Those who fail to prepare, shall prepare to fail.” We wish to take this first step to prepare, here today in Düsseldorf , together.