Cultural and scientific cooperation between the EU and Japan is characterised by a strong commitment to mutual exchange and cooperation. Cultural initiatives include joint artistic programmes, festivals and educational exchanges that enhance mutual understanding between the two regions. In the field of science and technology, the EU and Japan cooperate on research projects, innovation and technology transfer, addressing global challenges such as climate change and public health.

EU Film Days is an annual European cinema festival presenting European film production in Japan. By showing a diverse selection of films from across the continent, the festival offers Japanese audience insights into European film culture. Through movie screenings and discussions, it fosters cultural exchanges and strengthens mutual understanding between Europe and Japan. It is an important event for cinema lovers and enthusiasts of European culture.

The EU comes to Your School project aims to familiarise Japanese secondary school students with the values, history and institutions of the European Union. Through interactive meetings with representatives of EU countries, Japanese students will learn about the EU’s role in global affairs and its cultural diversity. This initiative promotes a deeper understanding of European identity and fosters cultural exchanges between Europe and Japan.

The EU-Japan Friendship Week is an annual event that traditionally celebrates Europe Day on 9 May and is rich in a series of events promoting the EU and the diversity of the European continent. Mutual understanding and cooperation between EU Member States and Japan is promoted through exhibitions, workshops and seminars. It provides an excellent platform to promote shared values and future-oriented partnerships.

The EU and Japan work together to promote academic exchanges in support of knowledge flows and student exchanges. European and Japanese universities have been cooperating in programmes such as Erasmus Mundus for some time. The EU’s education programme Erasmus+ offers new opportunities for Japanese and European universities and students to work together. The Jean Monnet Centres of Excellence located in prestigious Japanese universities promote academic exchanges and studies in the EU. The annual European Higher Education Fair in Japan provides Japanese students with information on many opportunities to study in Europe.

Cooperation in science, technology and innovation with Japan is of strategic importance for the EU and many joint research and scientific projects are being carried out by both sides. Bilateral cooperation in science and technology is based on the Global Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in 2009 and entered into force in 2011.

The EU supports research and innovation through a number of Framework Programmes. The latest, Horizon Europe, covers the period from 2021 to 2027 and is the largest funding programme for research in the history of the EU, with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion. Researchers from many parts of the world, including Japan, can participate in almost all Horizon Europe projects.

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